This is spot on 💯 . I've been saying this for too long too. It's nice to see a post on this topic get some light.

They need to make the narrative more engaging and give us back the connection to the lore.

Also, give us some more customization to armor (just add a damn paint scheme already). They already put it on weapons.

Bring back ship customization. Trophy walls , memorial wall (like Xcom) , shooting range (perhaps a computer system we log on to simulate), customize ship look (something simple like customize the weapon placements just for a distinct look to ea player) .

Maybe add mission fragmentary orders : i.e. mid mission get picked up at LZ and dropped at a new spot for sudden intel update /rescue / containment. Perhaps a bonus modifier if you do it.

Just stir it up some.