This is a easy fix for anything.
With the advancements in laser tech our researcher have found a way to increase crystal production by directing laser's emission of coherent light to better direct the mines to where the crystal located thus increasing the production by 1% per level.
There I solved your problem, Now code it and be done with it...
If you want to add new research ideas there are a ton of them.
How about Energy tech for increase in solar plants production, Or how about better solar sats too.
How about more tech designed around faster building times, Even though we have robotic factory and nanites, Why not add a new research in that increase speed of buildings that help robotic factory and nanites.
There are 100s of new things you can do to improve the game.
How about adding all of the stuff that AGR and infocomplet does. That would be a huge start to fixing this game.
Why not add a setting to turn off the stupid and useless tool tips. Gee that would not take to much time.
HOW ABOUT LISTENING TO WHAT YOUR PAYING AND PLAYING CUSTOMERS SAY. THAT WOULD BE A START. WHY NOT FIX THE GAME UI SO THAT WE CAN USE THE GAME.
How about developing a real app.
There are 100s of games that work and play pretty close to the same way this game is played and they HAVE AN APP FOR IOS AND ANDROID.
Really if GF goal is to kill the game they are doing a good job at it.
Get with the times and get stuff fixed and get with the development.
If GF is not willing to develop this game, then PUT IT UP FOR SALE AND SOME OTHER COMPANY WILL BUY IT.