Hi David
Thanks for the feedback! More direct shield status visualization is under consideration. Although you understood it pretty well so far. But I can see that an actual bar/something might be more feasible, I'm still looking into that.
Togglable mouse aiming (controlling pitch with mouse that is) will come with the next update.
And thanks for the colab offer! I'm a little occupied with managing the project as a whole, as well as with my freelance gig, so I'm not sure if I'd have time to spare for managing that. Also I'm poor and you shouldn't give me your words for free. <3 But out of curiosity, have you read anything by Iain M. Banks?