The game is in nowhere near the bad place some are trying to sell. The team is definitely suffering some setbacks. We all agreed pushing back the release for EA was a good idea. Some features need to be put in place (sensors anyone?). However? Much of the game is just fine and fun. In my opinion.
i was actually relieved to hear they decided to push it back another 5-6 weeks. dont get me wrong im in alpha so the game play doesn't technically stop for me, but im the only one out of my whole crew and i want to experience the game with my friends. but, BUT! i want the experience to be memorable one, but also and more importantly enjoyable.
Games that don't have the social fundamentals needed in a game of this type will not last long from launch. People need currency, need guild/companies, factions, interaction, reasons to engage with one another. In another month, we will have proper laid out jobs, tutorials to explain everything for new players, a ready to go auction house and ingame currency. Companies will have full control over their stores, lots, ships, goods, credits, company bank, adding job listings, promoting with ranks and permissions, and the list goes on, same with the faction part, all its little abilities. Flushed out value of ores and materials, the full use of factories, and really importantly an Easy Mode version of ship and station builder. I think that is very important so new players can at least get started and then with experience can move into the full builders to make more technical and advanced ships. Without these things, no matter how good the combat is or isn't, people will lose interest fast.
EDIT: BTW the stuff above i mentioned, figure i note this, a good portion of it is close to being done or on rounding the corner. Next step is to add it in, test it in alpha to get it working before EA to avoid a shit ton of new errors and glitches.