Well first of all, since you watched the first three episodes that came out, that means you didn't REALLY see the first three episodes. See, Fox decided to air the pilot LAST (right before cancelling the show)....
If you watch the pilot episode first (2 hours), then other things really start to fall into place more. The first few were ok, but not great. Later episodes are AWESOME; you see how the inner planets that are under control of the Alliance have all sorts of technology, it explains more why the outer planets don't. The character development and chemistry is also fun to watch.
I'd recommend renting the first disk, watching the pilot, and if you're still not hooked watch the episode "Ariel." If you're not hooked after that, then I guess it's not your cup of tea.
For the record, I love all of the other shows you mentioend as well.
Give it another shot.
CW