I think they knew quite well what Dukat’s trajectory would be. They introduced a facet of him for a while where he felt that he could change, but ultimately his pride and ego won out. A shit leopard can’t change his spots, and thought it was an interesting arc they explored.

I somewhat agree with you in regards to the pah-wraith stuff later down the line, namely because it goes a little too heavy into the super natural for a Star Trek show.

But what helps it along I think is the death of his daughter - his lust for power over the weak bajorans (in his eyes), intersecting with his then budding religious beliefs, co-opting or appropriating it from them in a sense. It’s a perverse play on his established character thus far in the show and thought it was also a great arc for him.

Hoping that all made sense I dunno it’s 5AM and haven’t slept lol. I just like talking about Star Trek