Apologies for the thread necromancy but I came back to see a reply and I'd like to defend my point that it isn't hyperbole. Hyperbole would be calling this game a "scam" like others call another game The diggy-diggy-hole method (I like that name) as was quoted above was a good minigame, accessible, and required skill. Not to say that the mining units don't require skill but it is so much more boring. Don't even mention asteroids, I haven't bothered.
Onto schematics, I hate them; right now they are way too much of a hindrance. I could live with modifications, streamlines, cutting off some slack or whatever else is appropriate. I definitely wouldn't miss them if they ceased to exist entirely although I doubt this day will happen. But right now it really does ruin the flow.
For me, the two primary aspects of gameplay are not fun: mining stuff, and making stuff. Therefore my own future is not good. I don't understand their objectives with more inhibiting gameplay loops. Is it to stop the development of the mega-corporations? On the contrary, it's probably more necessary than ever to be part of one for development?
For the future of the game, just how will they retain new players? I guarantee 95% if not more of 'new' players that make it past a week are alts. Is that all they're hoping for now?