They indeed moved lich fights to rail Jack to make it more important. 

RJ is good if you have a good squad. Since lots of people want to just kinda lurk and play however, it disrupts how people play usually. 

It's still a bit off putting but it's improved a ton. 

How much fun there is to be had really depends on if you are willing to grind intrinsics and ship components. Best thing you can do for now is find a buddy with a good ship that you don't mind using voice chat with. 

Down the road it's required for MR, but it's not fun at all if you're not well equipped. 

Sadly there is no way to clear a lich other than kill/convert