First on the time, on the loot after this:
No - you are correct - there isn't much RNG in the XP outside the unlocks for the sectors to get that better XP plus sub 2, 3, and 4 to get them rolling.
Then as you will know, after you are past level 10 its not really possible to get more than one level per deploy on speed and on an optimal route, with the lumps at 80, 85, and 90 that take two/three deploys.
This very common and simple middle tier deploy will get you one level:
https://i.gyazo.com/1d00c118ff93ed69...fcf1096309.png
Drift makes that slide towards 2 days every few days.
Those of us who have done it a lot - like you and me - can load in speedier levelling parts - as you know - and shave a little time off, but I still stand by my estimate that your average beginner won't be as optimised as you or me, and will be spending around 6 months (180 days) levelling them to 100.
Maybe you have more faith in the will and intelligence of your average player.
As for loot, and if it stays the same and a lite version isn't implimented:
For worthwhile stuff at lower levels, with market flooding it will be similar to how combed rugs or marine ester wax - or even treasure piles and boules - were originally. Over 100,000g one day and 60g the next week.
And as for airships - if that goes in with no change, and with such old, old, old content - well, it will be wonderful for gardeners wanting oriental grass tufts and the like, the price for those will fall to sub-1000g in no time!
