I remember when I noticed this, wasn't even that far in the game. None of the factions have any relevance, and choice practically does't exist. All outcomes are the same. It immensely takes away from replay, and I would say the same with the sandbox side of it as well. How many times can you explore a sandbox? It clearly wasn't developed for that, because there are no other means to get around besides walking (new survival). Already its too heavily dependent on mods for replay value. I wish I could say "all I have to do is add a few lines of dialogue and some quests, and that will fix it". Its not as easy as that though, and trying to make choice matter shouldn't be a modders job. It's very linear and it's very hard to work around that. I'll have to wait and see what others come up with and do for now. I don't think your exaggerating at all when you say come back after 12 months either, unfortunately. I'ts a recent update, and their most likely going to put out multiple updates to change it. I am curious to see what their plans are for difficulty. I'm sure it's not gonna stay the same high burst damage with bullet sponges that it is now.