Thanks so much for all the great feedback :)! You're not missing anything and I'm happy to read that the visual language worked :).
When the alien wants something you don't have, it can indeed feel frustrating. On the other hand, I kind of like the idea that it might make the player craft stars in advance, when they see squares :). Just stocking up might not be that fun though, right. And you are also right with the waiting, which I at least tried to kind of shorten when you're in space.
Good points, thank you :)!