Update: thumbs up, once you get into it and under certain conditions.
The game opened up and got a lot more enjoyable, but I think it's from a combination of factors.
- You have to play a certain way. That requires sometimes running or calling an ally (the wingmen are actually pretty capable at diverting fire and the timer is generous). I don't think it's intended for you to solo everything in the game.
- Learning the muscle memory to quickly swap power to shields / engines. I actually have a preferred setting that works pretty well for my build in most situations.
- I didn't realize there's a questline to open your own base (with more ships as well). So that gives you a little more structure in your goals.
- The weapon physics play a part in thing as well. I found out that if you have a big mismatch on weapons / projectile velocities, your aim indicator will be off. I switched to a good complementary weapon combo (Photon + Autocannon) and that made a big difference.
- Turrets made a difference as well. Help you get away with being lazier / less skilled. I have 2 right now but looking forwarding to unlocking a cargo variant with 3.
- Getting your ship kitted out the way you like it. Once you don't have to worry so much about money, you can do more of what you want.
- Finding a play pattern that you like. For me, it turned out to not be strike missions at all, but multi-jump long runs (mostly at less than average risk level). I end up with a few questlines open and take delivery runs along those routes for extra $$$, plus buy anything that's lower than market value and sell it for market price at the next stop. That ended up being the best mix of efficiency / variation for me.
I think the core gameplay and flavor in the game is still great though. And even more amazing that it was 2 guys that did everything. If you can look past some of the rough edges, you might like it, although I will admit it's not for everyone.
I'd say it's 8/10 but can definitely understand someone giving it less.