First off, yes, settlements are disappointing in terms of gameplay. I hope eventually Hello Games will turn settlements into quest hubs. But I am a roleplayer and do enjoy settlements for the ambiance. I do not see my avatar as the mayor of the settlement, but rather as simply a member of the settlement trying to make his way in the universe. I’ve turned one of the three story buildings into my base of operations, so I’ve decorated it and turned it into an illegal nipnip farm. NPCs do walk in from time to time, so I just see them as minions and errand runners. And I have my own private quarters of course on the top floor. With regards to the settlement, all I’ve done is add one biodome and one bubble vat just to make it seem like the members of the settlement can sustain themselves. But roleplaying only gets you so far, and I hope Hello Games improves them in the future.