Time to big each other up I feel.
Amongst the obvious disappointment (I'm on a bit of a downer too), of the no offline mode issue I'd just like to say this:
These Forums have been an eye opener for me. Being new to online PC gaming (Elite BBC Micro 1984 then a boring journey into 'real life' until recently), I have enjoyed the discussions here. They have been:
Fun
Informative
Laughable for the hell of it
Non mocking
Supportive to users with less experience, like myself, and never patronising.
Interesting
And all things positive.
I hope my fellow Commanders all the best, and wish to meet them out there in The Milky Way, and maybe talk on TeamSpeak ii the Comms aren't working too well (we'll see) and have some fun.
This is still a massive game and in it's state maybe we'll have to be the fleshing out or the furniture in the meantime.
I applaud you all!