I’m not familiar with Star Trek, but I believe the series show examples in which not respecting the prime directive has grave consequences. This serves as proof that the prime directive is relevant. These points are present in Stargate about which I’m more familiar.

But these examples are fictional. I wonder if the prime directive would be the way to go in real situations. Wouldn’t there be a way to share technology safely? Does it make sense to talk about “maturity” and “readiness” of a civilization?

Maybe you have to live a catadtrophe to grasp its gravity and swear to never let it happen again. But couldn’t the “inferior” civilizations be taught these trauma second-hand?