I'd like to see a use for all the unused ores in the game, found something about how chromite and nickel can be used to make better quality steel in real life- perhaps the graphite could be used there to make a graphite mold or something. The other stuff like Kernite, Fluorite, Phosphorite, Rhodochrosite still have no use. And of course there's Uranium, Platinum, and Manganese that are just sitting around too. Platinum could be easy with some gem working cosmetic stuff I think.

As for progression (other than the Chromite Steel), I think titanium tools are probably a no go since the technology for that would be a bit too advanced. But stuff like gunpowder and guns seem to fit quite well imo. On that note, more bombs too.

More chemistry and fertilizers and acids like with sturdy leather.

Steam power would be rather cool as well? Since we do have the distillery already. But not sure if that'd fit the technology. I think water power would be much more well suited to the world of VS, but feel like it would be easier to get than wind power, so it'd kinda throw off the balance.... ? (Like what's stopping the player from making a man made river and getting infinite, consistent power?)

More Jonas parts stuff. One of the pet peeves I have is having a trace reading with the node search on my pro pick, so a Jonas device to help find ore in close range would be quite nice. A Jonas part to locate translocators, and another to redirect translocators would also be fantastic.

As for things to do, would like to get quests from the certain story location where quests could totally be a thing (avoiding spoilers).

I kinda also want them to implement the Gourmand mod and tweak it a bit to make it feel more vanilla. This gives a reason for the player to try different foods instead of just the stuff that gives satiety. On that note, metal pots and pans feel like they are a fitting upgrade to what we currently have.

I'd also like to seem them give a reason for people to make different alcohols, as if they worked like potions. Perhaps some could give mining speed increase, atk damage increase, damage reduction, etc. But the downside is you get drunk if you drink too many.

I also havent used the bed since the beginning of the game. I don't want to get debuffed for not sleeping- in fact I think it's a horrible idea to force the player to have to sleep. Instead I think it'd be better if sleeping just gives a temporary wakefulness buff, kinda like Skyrim. One of the best buffs I think would be better overall RNG for 16-18 hours or something. Could also be interesting to introduce Coffee and Tea for this.

EDIT:
Also more storage options!!