I guess we think alike with the only exception that I always consider development resources limited, and whenever I see a feature I consider what else would be better instead.
Base building, surely popular as long as it comes without compromise. Once you say base building instead of something like the ability to access the rim of the orbis stations - not so sure.
Same goes for the atmospherics, I think it is unlikely that FDev would compromise the resources by developing two major expansions that have to work together at the same time when they have to deal with another ~2 years of virtually empty release cycle.
I'm a complete outsider, so if anyone proves me I'm wrong... I would be happy to be wrong in this case.