100% Agree. Missions should be more than just reverted: They should be improved. Factions whose NPC's don't carry any valuable loot, need something added. Difficulty needs to be more reliable, for example Difficulty 43 missions should ALWAYS spawn battleships, for players who have arranged a group and are intentionally trying to encounter them.
Since mission farming requires the most expensive ships and equipment, and the most cooperation between players, it should be profitable. It shouldn't give money slower than someone solo mining in a mere freighter, to be split between the entire group.