Well I for one am looking forward to this game. You cannot really label it as a Business simulation, because that is not it's main focus. It is a 4X game, where you can build stations, fight in combat ships, explore the universe, build an empire. X3 Reunion is hoping to build upon and improve every aspect of the game.
Those that really did not like having to wade through masses of text, will be happy that the interface is being streamlined to make it easier to navigate, especially since this game will also be coming out on console. But X3 is being developed for the PC first, so PC users have no cause for concern about dodgy ports from consoles to PC's.
Combat is going to be improved, with a more Wing Commander feel to it (As one reporter mentioned in an interview/preview) So you will be able to use intertia for the first time and slide around etc, the combat has also been said to be similar to Bablyon 5. But Seeing I nor many other people have actually played any version of X3 yet, we will not know.
You can own more than one ship in the X games, and this is one of it's strengths. However some people may not like to play the game because it is Singleplayer only. To this, I say thats rubbish, If there are some who would not buy this game, yet played and enjoyed Wing Commander 1 or 2, which were both SP, as I guess all of you here know. There is also a very dedicated community at the EGOSOFT forums, ready to help out newbies to X2, and I'm sure will be more than happy to help people with starting in X3.
The X games are hardly a Business simulation, Until X3, the economy model has been supply/demand, but apparently the X3 economy will include ROI Return On Investment, or something like that, hopefully making for a more realistic experience for those wanting to build factories.
However, do not be turned off by the fact that you can build factories! If you seriously do not want to go near that side of things, you can completely ignore building an empire and make a living doing missions and fighting, and capturing ships from whose pilots have ejected.
Apparently the race relations will be dynamic, so your empire could get involved in large battles between the races living in the X-universe. You will also face AI competitors who will be building factoires of their own for their own empire! It is improvements like these that will surely make X3 a game to remember! (I hope ^^)
As you can see I do anticipate this game, Like Sphynx said, I hope they improve upon the weaknesses in XbtF, X-T, X2. I do not know how many of you would enjoy this game, but at least try it, if you are looking for something a bit different.