Great job on finally setting a release date goal! Whatever criticisms we still have at this point, I hope you understand that this game is still more unique and interesting than 99% of all other games out there. Your hard work and inginuity is more appreciated than you probably know!
That being said, I do have some final/lingering hopes for pre-release adjustments. Sorry if they are just an echo of what everyone else is already saying.
(1) Ajdust the numbers to make port-to-port trading actually worthwhile again. As something that requires risk, planning, investment, and time (all of the 'big four') to be successful, trading goods between ports should be among the most lucrative activities in this game (along with PvP and port ownership). Plus it puts more heavy trade ships like Indiamen in the water, which means more (and more varied) opportunities forsolo/small-group PvP. At the very least port-to-port trading should pay off more than 'missions' which require nothing but a basic ship and the time it takes to travel between ports.
(2) Fix or do away with port bonuses. Port bonuses on top of box upgrades on top of books on top of woods is just overkill. Not only are fights between same-class ships more unbalanced than ever, but I must admit it is a little overwhelming these days just to keep track of it all. It feels like I need a spreadsheet in front of me just to shop for a ship these days. Keep it simple, keep it balanced, keep it fun!
(3) Axe the 20-minute engagement window for the 'weaker' side in open-world pvp battles. 3-5 minute windows for both sides is more than enough time to rally nearby cavalry, and ships parked in port shouldn't be able to respond to a request for help from an active battle on the open sea. Besides, why even try to balance them in the first place? Good open-world tactics and planning and risk should be rewarded. Please end this failed experiment, or at least save such silly/patronizing/artificial 'balancing' measures for special circumstances such as patrol zones or duels where both sides are actually seeking a 'fair' fight.