LouLong, I don't think so. It is a little boring right now, but I think that may change as the game goes on. I was thinking the same thing you are, how this was just going to be a builder game, and never do anything else. But after reading the rules, you realize things may/will change. Anybody who thinks they can just build and launch their space ship in this game is probably going to lose.
As for meeting anybody, yes, it is a very large map. But once again, that is going to play a huge part in the mid-late game mechanics.