The return to expansions and giving out 7 days of omega for each has been a massive boost to numbers. the current expansion adds a few Pirate factions to the Faction warfare system. So happy we can finally join the good guys.
As far as I notice they aren't "killing the game" but I've been much happier since I gave up the idea of doing big null sec corpo blob wars and I assume those are the people that might have valid complaints.
I love the small gang cheap ship roams. Nothing like a fleet of mining frigates loaded for bear jumping haulers and randos in null sec. You get to be your own bait. I have been a little sad about the stealth nerfs, I miss just roaming in a stealth ship solo.
I've never found another game that can make my heart pound and adrenaline race like eve online.
They made it so people can build structures that periodically ping the whole system and destealth your ship. Primarily aimed at stealth campers but it can occasionally catch you out if your roaming around being nosy.