I backed this originally on Kickstarter but only started playing a few days ago, and apparently picked the wrong time to start. So some of the logic doesn't make sense to me, and maybe I just don't get it. I thought industry might be something cool to try out. But quickly realized that in order to make the parts to build assembly lines you need an assembly line of the same size (btw 4 different types of them) to make all the parts, then schematics for each part but you can build it in the smaller assembly line. There doesn't seem to be an upward progression. If there was a full wipe the market would have to be pre-stocked with all the possible parts. For example no one could make a standard reinforced frame M because you need a metalwork M to make it, which requires the same reinforced frame (and an assembly line M to make the metalworker).
So after I gave up on that I tried out fuel refiners. Not as bad, but just like the assembly lines, you can buy all the pieces cheap but all the schematics are about 10x the price. It's literally not worth it to make any equipment for your own use. Fuel at least has a consumption rate, but how many reinforced frames are really needed.
Like I said, I'm coming into this fresh but it seems like the market is so flooded with cheap parts that the ore that it takes to make them is actually worth more then the end result. I read what they are trying to do, but I think people should be able to be self sufficient but it should take a long time to get there and crafting should be progressive. The skill system mimics Eve Online, you spend time progressing the skills you are interested in. You can be a great pilot, great industrialist or mediocre at both depending on how you invest your time. Those are the negatives I see.
Positive: I like the crafting system, or I would if it was balanced. Building ships is pretty cool and I've seen a lot of cool ones strewn about the landscape.