I was about to post the exact same thing.
A LOT of developpers present a clear roadmap and it's good for their game visibility and for their community fidelity, hype and trust in the future of the project. Bitter people will be bitter no matter what is said.
After over 1 year following closely ED development I still can't understand why FDev manage communication like they do...it just doesn't make any sense.
The only thing I see is that the lack of transparency and (real) communication from them is really destroying player trust and inscreases frustration from the player base.
Sometimes the way they manage communication makes me think of politicians.
FDev :
"Dear customers,
we've decided that we are reprioritizating Fleet Carriers & Icy planet overhaul.
We won't say why, we won't say when it will come but hey, cheer-up, we are very excited about stuff coming that we won't talk about before - atleast - one year.
Sincerely,
FDev"
FDev have choosen to make ED an evolving game. This mean that they want to keep their playerbase on long term. Well, communication and transparency is the key for a long lasting relationship
Just take a look at the "likes" ratio on all their livestreams, the negatives comments on facebook & youtube videos...it's sad to see but to be expected...
I see so many devs posting weekly videos on what they are working on, giving feedbacks about some bug fixes, challenges they had developing some features, etc
No need to give us every details and precise date, just make us feel part of this project (and I'm not asking you to involve us in the dev decision - just to let us know what you're working on, the challenges you're meeting).
Damn, we are adults and if we are given clear information on the why we'll understand (and cry-babys will stay cry-babys). I really think that FDev underestimate the importance of communication (not talking about "We hear you but can't say more") and transparency. We're not in 1990 anymore.
o7