I see now Kaz that you did get the implications of the films actions, you were just more subtle and not a loud mouth like me.
SPOILER ALERT! You can read the below by highlighting it. It is written in white font.
I guess the one change that was startling, and more difficult to take is the relationship between Uhura and Spock. The events Nero set in place should not have effected Spock in that way. And seems to violate Pon Farr, but then I may be over playing the significance of Pon Farr in Vulcan relationships. After all, Spock's mother Amanda is a Human, and she and Sarek obviously have a relationship outside of the Vulcan Pon Farr season.
In any event a great movie. I am going to see it again!