I do find the new patch engages the player more in the function of the ship. Sailing, gunnery, boarding have there toll on manpower and a Captain needs to think of timing in all decisions. The map for catching up with smaller traders by bigger ships has become difficult and often I have found the trader gets-away even though I wasn't that far off and gaining on them. I liked the old addition to a crew with marines but also like the icon showing there status, maybe a combo idea can be used.- additional crew members with the marines upgrade and an boarding attack bonus too.
More thoughts later I grounded my ship again.