Even with the changes, HVs are still a novelty compared to an SV.
I see each stage of advancement as an era of the game experience, each with its own world.
Starting out... is the base \ motorcycle world.
Then there is HV world.
Followed by SV and orbital exploration. A time of planetary conquest of POIs.
THEN... move to CV and into the system for advanced empire progression.
As it is, the game stampedes to the CV(herein refered to as the...
Ahem... Tech progression aka "What's Wrong With A Kiss, BOY?"