I am having similiar issue. The 'Change Species' tab appears, but after selecting the actual screen is buggy. Tried on multiple characters; Fed. TOS Fed and Klingon... all same issue.
As far as the game is concerned... yes. For instance, a Vulcan has different base traits than a joined Trill. An Andorian character has different traits than a Caitian. A person may have started with one.. but later decided the other is more desireable to them for what ever reason. Of course you can just start a new…