Recently, I found it strange how the colonists just 'do' their job for seemingly no reason. Who decides what to build, harvest, etc? Could the player be a god or AI that controls the minds of the colonists indirectly, suggesting they do things? I think a good solution to this would be to implement some sort of colony hierarchy or government. I'm not saying a fully-fledged, democratic parliament, but what about a governor? Sheriff? King? Chief? Something. Then, you could have the official colony members, with full rights to do what they please. Then, there could be slaves. Workers who are forced to help the colony with little room for freedom. This could be added next to prisoners or replace them.
I mean... even in communist countries there are leaders!
I mean... even in communist countries there are leaders!