So how fucked up we want to make everything for the backbone-industry everyone is needing:
US: Yes
Seriously, I can't even understand how people allow this to happen in your own country. It would be political suicide to try this in any place of Germany.
Personally I went for the Story to finish it and started NG+ for Sidequest, Factions etc.
So far not regretting it, but I may be biased since I like to play Early access-Titles in which it is common to start over again with new updates.
But I don't see any harm in finishing the story focused, nor in any other way, it's up to the player :)