I think Data did ops and helm both, but I like Sulu and Checkov in those roles.
However, when I referred to Data as being redundant I was doing so in regards to the fact that Spock was always the one with the answers rounded to the 100th decimal place and the "issue" with emotions.
Now I realize that Data later gained them, and that really Spock had them all along, but ignored/controlled them so that "issue" was slightly different, but storytelling wise it seems too similar.
Data just always seemed to be the "Spock" of TNG only not a Vulcan so they couldn't be accused of ripping off the old series.
