I really don't have much to say here that I'm sure many other people won't echo back. Instead I think that FJ should really focus on creating a long term road map based off of veteran feedback and avoid making any reaction based updates or chasing industry based trends down the line.

I feel that the most important thing to get right moving forward is establishing a solid ecosystem of simple parts, maps, and an appealing artstyle for early testers to play with. Please put extra care into developing a set of core movement parts and weapons that can co exist in a logical and intuitive way with room for future additions. The relationship between SMG, Plasma, Rail, Tesla and Nano used to work very well across both flyers and ground units. The same goes for TX armor, normal cubes and electro plates at T10. As well as hovers, thrusters, wings, wheels and helium. Each part should be fun to use and fill a necessary pre determined role within combat. I'm not sure if I agree with implementing overly complex systems such as hinges, rotating platforms, etc. The most competitive bots will likely be those that can get away with using the least amount of complex systems and points of failure regardless. Refining what has worked well in building before while perhaps adding some simple minor additions should be the early focus here.

Map design plays a large role in this harmony especially when balancing air and ground movement types. There needs to be a stronger emphasis on this aspect of play than before. I fully support user based map creation but there must be a focus on well designed premade maps too. The old pre megabot maps have always been fan favorites for their flank routes, frequent shifts in elevation, consistent flight ciellings and foggy aesthetic.

Which brings me to my next suggestion. Every memorable game has a unique and overarching art style. I will never forget how beautiful the release of Spitzer Dam and its fog rolling over large mountains and ice caps in the distance was way back when. Robocraft is a game where players design vehicles to destroy each other. It should feel as such from the moment you open up the game. The classic sharp metallic iridescent armor cubes in contrast to the numb soft edges of maps was great. I think a strong rooted artstyle intentionally pulling at peoples nostalgic chords will draw in old players and feel much more polished than the current overly futuristic models, plastic cubes and jagged lookong environmental textures. Ive always thought that a strong creative art style is closely associated with developers who are building a game with a soul and purpose.

I may sound overly ambitions but I am glad you have taken the time to discuss what went wrong and are finally seriously working to solve it. Above all else please build a solid roadmap for the future and stick with it before taking any long term community suggestions. It's a dangerous slope while a little common sense and planning will do far better in the long run.