i still take an optimistic view of 'true' science (as opposed to politically motivated science). i'm always on the lookout for science and astronomy news. people like neil degrasse tyson and michio kaku open up neural pathways i didn't even know i had. i think they take a fundamentally optimistic view of the universe. if only they had fiction writing skills.
i don't see what would be so 'pollyanna' about stories involving string theory or bubble universes. you just need an author who is able to make the science understandable, entertaining and fit in a fictional narrative.
i still enjoy my gritty stories but there's just so much negativity in everything that it's a wonder we're all not wondering what gun oil tastes like. you can't even find comics anymore that aren't filled with angst. if i had superpowers i'd be the happiest guy on earth.
i just think it's poisonous and unhealthy that the only happiness we have in our culture is 10 second kitten videos on youtube, then it's back to doom and gloom. not all 'realism' has to be gritty. i'm a pretty laid back, happy-go-lucky character and often in a good humor. i'm just not identifying with all the angst and weeping/gnashing of teeth anymore.