This is just like that Epic dude saying Fortnite is the future (lol). People are trying to make definitive statements about what a successful game looks like but there are so many variables to consider. The problem just isn’t as simple as “is it multi-player or not”. Cost matters too, but it’s also clear that more development money doesn’t mean better game. Spider man 2 is a good game, but I’ve gotten a lot of mileage out of Balatro, which was way cheaper to make and to buy.
I agree with you, while adding that the lack of depth, especially in space exploration, economy and combat made it that much more disappointing. Like the groundwork is there, you should be able to hire pilots or have you companions run planet bases for you, but no. At least, when I played you couldn’t do that.