In my opinion, no, it isn’t worth the price (and not the time investment either, even if price isn’t an issue). The core loop just isn’t fun for me. I too kike the concept. It’s close to what I’d Invision for a perfect space game. However, the biggest issues are the exploration feels pointless, because planets aren’t actually special (even the rare types). You will find many similar versions of any planet if you just spend time exploring, so there no real potential to miss discoveries, which also means to discovery is meaningful or unique.

Another issue is the total lack of friction. You can’t crash while flying, and it removes your control. Also death is pretty meaningless, and combat is easy enough where that isn’t even a concern unless you try to die.

Finally, there’s not much of a narrative. I noticed you essentially listed stories, or story focused games. NMS is not that. There is a narrative, but it isn’t really the reason to play. I’m willing to bet you’d have the same issues with it that I would.