i liked it also back with elite'84 and elite since release... build credits for the next ship -> buy it -> use it to a grade everything -> save up for next ship.
i remember mining in a viper! to save up for the cobra3....
I didn't mine at that stage but I do remember selling the Viper and going back to the Sidewinder until I could comfortably buy the Cobra III, I just didn't like the Viper.