Just a clarification.
There are several Progen developers, and although I may have some input into flavour missions for the Privateers, the Privateer was originally started by another developer who returned to the Project and may not be the developer quoted to "love it when people complain how hard they are". The skills and hull upgrade missions up to level 10 are his, and once the game supports what he intended then they should be excellent. Remember it is pre-alpha; not everything is as intended.
I on the otherhand as from my signature, feel that missions should be some kind of challenge and also not compulsary - this is why you still can avoid the mission and pay for your level 50+ hull upgrade. it is also why you obtain the skill for the build components, reactors, shields with out needing to complete the mission (should you want to); but by doing so you will forfit the right to any bonus mission requiring you to have completed this mission, and any rewards at the end of the mission.
Not all players will want to do endless missions, and this is why they are optional.
An example is:
Mission Example: Trade Embargo
Player: "Why doesn't it tell me where to kill mako fighters?"
My mind: "Because sometimes you have to do missions from your knowledge of the game, or from the knowledge of your contacts in the game..."
Just be warned, just because you can collect a flavour mission at your current level does not neccesarily mean you can complete it at that level. Oh, and to avoid tears after bedtime, never go and speak to a mission person with a full cargo hold (although this should have been fixed now) and never sell the mission equipment, unless it is your intention not to do that mission!