Yes I agree with all your points, but they should if at all be implemented just before it comes out or if its like minecraft an update after its initial released.
They will add cities later on as a texture but its up to them to decide weather or not there will be physics in the cities. That could be funny when you crash into the middle of the city and see the reactions of Karbals as they see the crash It should at least be a mod.
I would be fine with the refining of the game and then a mini city simulator at the end. The second part makes sense and explains some things about Kerbals.
So you ditched one Kerbal on a ICE moon to die a lonely cold death while you left the other on a ocean moon, and the last guy saved his buddy but died trying to land. Do you plan a rescue mission?