I understand why they didn't do that, but I think it could have been dealt with in better ways than immediately promoting Kirk to captain

True, but it had to end that way - it's a nice circle round to how things are *meant* to be, and it's not the same if it's three years later or whatever. Plus, what are the chances of getting them all together again three years later?

I mean, you're definitely right, it makes no sense, but I love it as an ending regardless.