Big update done for 3.3 - Beyond!
The big change is a number of new tools (seismic charges, abrasion blaster, sub-surface missiles) and explodey asteroids. From testing in Beta I garner that now there are two styles of mining:
-Core mining, blowing up asteroids to get to gems within. It is a low-tonnage, high value activity well suited to smaller ships.
-Classic laser mining, using mining lasers for metals. It is a high-tonnage, internals-intensive activity best suited to big ships.
So I wrote the guide with this split in mind, and actively advise against trying to fill 200+ tons with core mining in a big, sluggish ship. One could lose their sanity trying that.

Some ships are capable of following both mining styles, the Krait II and Python come to mind.