i like the current gamplay mechanics. As you probably already said somewhere: there is a lot of potential in this game for gameplay and story, but programming everything is a lot of work and as such i am patient with suggesting too much since i feel like you already have a lot to do.
so far i think if you focus on gamplay mechanics or on story quests doesnt really matter too much for me personaly. i am just happy that you are working on it.
One idea i would have for gameplay is that you could use bots to start other bussiness ventures, things that maybe generate passive income. Such a thing would probably also bring new avenues for story quest or new characters, for example someone who could manage those bussinesses for you.
i know you said you would like to work on your own for now, but if you DO want some help, for example writing a little story quest line or something, i could maybe offer my help.
for now keep doing what you are doing