I absolutely LOVE all the new additions with one exception.

Planetary Approach Vectors.

Pretty much eliminates any chance of landing troops, or combat docking on a planet.
I see the realism of it, but even the space shuttle has guidance computers for landing.

Just my $0.02. After adjustment for inflation it is probably worthless. LOL

You're not supposed to be combat docking on a planet, so it's actually By Design(tm).

Then how do you land with a Troop Transport full of troops in a TE?

Or dock in a freighter with a full load of cargo and a hand full of pirates following you?

1) There are no TEs. You're on the other Freeworlds.

2) You get a landing path and try to land. It's a gamble, but it's better than just dying to pirates right?