What has changed since release please?

[tentimes]

Hi,

This may seem bizarre, but even though I bought the game near release I still haven't gotten around to playing it!

I think I will have a go this weekend, but was wondering what has changed since release, where I seem to remember there being some criticizm around the lack of interaction between online players realms (especially in economics, which is my favourite interest).

I would love to hear what people who have been playing think of the game, or even if any developers would like to jump in and cheerlead it.

Thanks,

TT