Originally Posted by DArtagnan 
Also, there most definitely IS a hub and a ton of sidequests. I don't know if that changes - but I don't see why it should.
I think we may be working on different definitions of 'hub'? IMHO just returning to the same place after a mission is not really a hub, even though there is a fixed merchant there. As for a 'ton' of sidequests …. the only one I can think of that is not simply a minor variation on the way to finish a mission (or something inane like 'enter the art dealer's house'), is Granny and her distillery idea.
Again - not trying to diminish the game - it is great fun, and I would recommend it without being in the proverbial $5 bargain bin.