I generally thought the whole lack of direction was intentional - that our knack for finding things and quest objects were a consequence of our OP body and Echo, whom we developed to the fullest over these past expansions and suddenly we're in the body of a 'normal soldier', who lacks all these things. It impresses on us how different we are.

Gameplay-wise though I can see how it can be frustrating for some people. They spoil us with all these quest icons and buffs. However, I feel nerfing this quest would foil the impact.