http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RVf01en-YA
I agree with the idea that the first 75 minutes were just a prelude/pilot, and the actual story begins in ep.03. It was just to establish a backstory to set up the redemption spin on Commander Burnhams character.
Burnham is just an implausible character that is difficult to accept. I don't how people keep pinning the start of a war on her, she really didn't do anything to actually trigger a conflict. She wanted too, she tried too... but she never got the chance. It's pretty clear the Klingons were going to start a war regardless, including trying to assassinate Burnham on her little space scouting mission.
She did mutiny though... which is one of the implausible aspects of her character. A senior
officer and supposed trusted protege of the Caption, loses her composure and decides she knows what's best and everyone be damned. "I was just trying to save you all!" (from yourselves, apparently).