Bottom line up front: I think that the aesthetics of the new settlements (Rappel, Zephyr, Maker's Point, etc) don't fit the capabilities and state of the universe. Let me explain: The new settlements are essentially made out of scrap, which is fine - but what I do find perplexing is that they all look like they've been made by hand, using primitive tools. In a world where we have those essentially magical tools like tractor beams and salvage and repair tools (most of which are being literally sold inside those very settlements), capable of handling several tons of weight and reconstituting destroyed surfaces, building a complete enclosed buildings should be easier than ever. I'm just saying (and I mean it in the nicest possible way) that you guys were aiming for a "post-apocalyptic" type of a settlement, without considering whether they make sense within the universe you've crafted.