I think what's most important is that the developers are listening to the complaints that come there way, and are doing what they can to remedy the problems, while keeping the game moving forward. I can imagine that this is not an easy task. Although this update does change the battle system, it does not really help against bots, bullies and farmers. It is the inability to build a significant defensive force that allows these kinds of attackers to continue as before. Once an opponent has reduced you to zero ships, it is a grave that you cannot dig yourself out of.
Take for example a bot that can attack you with 20 Corvettes every 4 hours, depending upon the location. Once you have had all of your fleet eliminated, that bot can basically stop you from building up any useful defense. Even if you manage to destroy one ship, it can be replaced in 9 hours. And maybe it took you days to build up a fleet of 5 Corvettes, just to take out that one ship and find yourself back to zero again. It's unfortunately a circumstance that you cannot get yourself out of. Buying ships does not help unless you can buy enough to eliminate your attacker's fleet and level the playing field. But if your attacker does not lose all of their ships, they will soon regain the advantage and suppress you.
But I'd like to end on a positive note and offer my personal advice. As I said at the start, the developers are paying attention to our gaming experience. That's to be greatly appreciated!!! And if you read all of the comments to this post, you will find this response from @nextcolony "We will release defense ships very soon." And there are strange voices in the wind whispering words like Scouts, Patrols and Cutters! This means that PATIENCE remains your greatest asset and principle for enjoying this project!
So if you are new to the game, or you are being suppressed by bots, bullies or farmers, I would recommend you focus on building up your Skills for more resources and greater ship qualities, because more updates are on the way!!!
We will publish soon the possibility to increase the depot capacity. Thus indirectly upgrade the bunker. That's defense, too.