I partly agree but saw other issues with the mining. Simply for me, I have played quite a few games that have some income methods and resource gathering methods, and they all seem to have almost no challenge involved.
To put it more simply, you never need to mine. Mining just makes it exceptionally easy to be able to develop any item you want much sooner then usual. If you don't mine, you will still eventually be thoroughly overwhelmed with resources for development. Same thing with the credits, soon enough and you don't need any more credits.
If anyone had the time I would suggest trying multiple runs involving comparisons between constant mining, no mining, and no resource purchases and then list which missions were completed and what level had been reached before it became unnecessary to consider looking for any more resources.
