I don't think I could ever play without a jetpack. Ingot density helps solve so many logistical issues. Higher tech recipes making some things more efficient gives the game a really fun sense of progression.
That's outside of just liking all the puzzles it adds to the game.
Not gonna lie, I didn't notice what sub this was in when I clicked the link.
As I read the subject, I found myself also feeling dismayed that we hadn't discovered any signs of intelligent life, and then I got to the bit about the jetpack.