That's a shame, I really loved the expansion. I agree that it felt more...focused? Since it was so contained to one area. Whereas the base game let's you wander around aimlessly much more.

But I felt the base story wasn't complete without the expansion's extra details. Without spoiling anything for other readers, I can't help but think about this story any time I think about a new technology that people are afraid of (lately, mostly AI). This game is a celebration of exploration and learning for its own sake, and I love it.