It's shocking how much easier the game is compared to the last version due to the combination of player character skills, immensely faster crew level gains and (due to skills) increased OP to equip ships with. Obviously the balance is a work in progress and I fully trust Alex to work things out so things are right again, something this major is bound to upset it for a while.
I'm very intrigued to see where the game heads next and what goodies we'll get to play with the next patch. (Coming, of course, SoonTM.)