I am aware that you have to level the game in terms of income and expenses, but you should not calculate the costs as less than they actually are or will be. Wages will steadily rise, as will various expenses. Means you should always build up a buffer in between to bridge certain periods of time.
As far as the player base is concerned, Dual Universe is a very special game, one must not forget that it does not offer the "normal content" that many players are used to from other games and would therefore keep them busy as long-term content. (Dungeons, Raids, Arena, Quests, Achievement System, Pets and Mounts, etc.) Means you have to or should be careful with assuming how many players will really have a lasting interest in the end.
I've been playing for a few months now and I have a lot of fun building something up. What is less fun are the hour-long ore tours through tunnel systems, only to be able to continue building. Likewise, I have NO interest in PvP content myself and would be immediately out of the game if this were to become mandatory.
Still, I miss other ways to be able to build more. But what would the game offer me in 1-2-3 years, if I had built everything possible? At some point the construct limitations limit me. Then there is only mining, mining, ..... you won't get me into PvP, the real world already has enough wars, I don't need them as game content and will therefore always stay in the safe zone.