Changes to aero/SSTOs from .90 have left me broke in career mode

[Falkenherz]

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When you can make a multistage rocket where you recover the spent stages (with stagerecovery) and the payload is itself a self contained reusable orbital/interplanetary vessel/shuttle/tug then there is no real reason to use spaceplanes except you like to (NTTAWWT). ...

I slightly disagree. With mods, you can also warp to other solar systems. But you have to admit that without this mod you mention, space planes are the most cost efficient way to bring stuff into LKO. I tried SSTO rockets, too, but the fuel requirements naturally are much higher, not to speak of the requirement to land them back on point at KSP (only the runway or launchpad allow for a 100% recovery).

I like the current balance; space planes are no way required but can add to your space programme´s efficiency (besides the challenge and fun to actually pilot one).