Barge use in the modern age.

[DSE-]

Given the absolute nerfing of Barge usability what use are they?

1. In the new age... how are barges to be effectively used?
   
2. Can they traverse the deep outer areas of space?
   
3. Can they even go through every system without physical restriction?
   
4. In other words are they now a waste of time?
   

I am reposting this. Who owns a barge and feels that they now have a raw deal with 5.0?
For me they are a beached whale, needing to be refloated to do its work.

I want to know what the dev's intentions are for the barge. Are they still a work in progress or is this shitty situation going to be it?
The barge has two thrusters saying they can shoot along at about 250. Not happening.
Trying to go from Manchester to California, not possible. Why are barge owners so penalised by 5.0?