Figured I would add my 2 cents. Didn't read all the second page so I may repeat something.
First, I disagree with you about single player being "broken". I would say unfinished as it lacks quests/NPCs and many exploration features. I would also note that I don't mind the "grind" for materials, as I can do it very efficiently and so it takes less time to get to a point where pirates are a non issue. That all beings said......
IF your mainly a builder, and your not in it to fight pirates, and do the normal survival grindy stuff.... you could do what I usually do in single player. Simply spawn the blocks you want to build with. I generally use SP as a laboratory and design mode. effectively creative mode. Even though creative exists I still use admin commands cuz why not. If all you want is to build, wouldn't this solve your issue of grinding?
Also keep in mind scale. The goal of building a large titan or battle ship is supposed to be shared by a group. Yes this is multiplayer content, and has an effect on single player. IF You dislike it you could always change configs for your single player to get things faster. I can't say that these methods may seem "optimal" to you but they ARE workarounds. If you read about the game prior to buying it you will notice its a "survival space sim" Those words should tell you off the bat "Hey, this game will have cool features that you will have to work hard (read grind) to explore".
As for your complaint that things arn't "easy" or take a long time to do in single player, I will again point to the fact that the game seems to be balanced around multiplayer. IF Multiplayer is the main focus of the game, and single player more to allow players to learn the ropes, and experiment or design things in creative, in peace so they can use it on a server (after said grind on the server) then atm its currently doing as intended.
I think part of the difference in your thoughts on the game and those that are defending it are as follows:
I liked the old SP (which you should have known would become more grindy) Because it let me do things fast ! and where are the extra features that will give me hours upon hours of replay in SP?
While we think more like this:
SP is only here for us to build things without being bothered. MP is where the interesting things happen. We assumed this from the beginning.
THAT being said. I think a full featured SP game with quests, worlds to explore and visit (and yes grind, cuz you shouldn't have a battle ship on your first day period. Yes this is opinion but most people will tell you the same thing on MANY other games. You have to put in a lot of time to get the good stuff), Countless adventures to be had, reasons to actually build things other then to annoy pirates ect. would be welcomed by everyone. Its just not a high priority. Fact is, most games will always focus on multiplayer, because that is what most people want. I say that, having been a lone wolf or single player person most all of my life (im 26 and have been gaming sinse I was 3). I love a good healthy single player as much as anyone, but I think you missed the purpose of single player in this game. Its less an alternative to MP, and more an addition to it.
You don't have to agree that this is the way it "should be" but currently this is the way it is and was planned. At least to my knowledge.