I like the idea of automatic zoom to aid the player! I might have to try that for my game as well... it's hard for new players to control the camera correctly (especially in 3D).
Reading through your dev logs is like finding my mirror universe self. I went through the whole thing as well if figuring out scale, stable orbits and n-body for ship, etc.
If you use discord, feel free to add me (Oarc#8695). I'd be happy to have another dev to chat to about similar issues we're dealing with or bouncing ideas off each other. No pressure.