I appreciate the insights in to your game experience. Sorry the autopilot didn't work for you!
I love the ideas you have...especially that last one. Definitely going to look in to adding that!
There is a way to get in the last harbor in the bottom left. It requires an upgrade from another harbor that can be tough to find. Your win condition is there :)
I appreciate that feedback about the incentive to explore. I've had that same thought but I haven't come up with any solid ideas to push the player to explore without making conditions near the beginning of the game too frustrating. I'll keep thinking!