I was really hapy for Wil to be included in Prodigy. I felt like Picard S3 snubbed him. Of course, his presence there would have basically made the whole season pointless, but they got everyone back together, including Michelle Forbes, but not him. And Grown Up Traveler Wesley was basically just an in-universe Wil Weaton, my friend and I both kept calling Wes "Wil" instead.
Of course, his presence there would have basically made the whole season pointless
I think that's probably why they tucked him into season two instead. I'm guessing they wanted him to appear in a way that wouldn't break the story, and that was easier to do in the time travel caper.
You're right, though - it was a big missed opportunity to reunite him with the cast, and even the set, of the old show.