Sounds like a fun pack for the Patreon server. Found my way here from looking for the pack name mentioned in PM's vlog.
Patreon server has been empty the last couple of times I looked - perhaps poll the other people still active and see if they are happy to alpha test? Now that word is out I doubt anyone will start any builds. Maybe some ideas will emerge on there for the HQM quests if you chose to put that in.
Steam tech sounds fun. Nothing wrong with a wall o barrels! I have seen some complaining about how slow it is to make lots of brass in Flaxbeards though, so the ticon smeltery might be able to be tweaked to facilitate mass production.
Doesnt need a story, with only a few key mods the intended theme and style becomes clear. The less written word the more nationalities can enjoy the pack.
I havent played with archimedes ships but it seems like a good fit with the theme. Probably not good for servers I presume?
I think less is more, its frustrating when you need three different sorts of copper. People put too much in which means there are so many ores your mine looks like a kindergarten painting, which in turn makes your storage and inventory needs explode. I'd love to play a modpack where I dont need at least two golden bags of holding for day to day existence. I hate to throw away or leave so many things I know I'll need later while roaming the countryside looking for a place to settle down.
I dont know how you'd guide gameplay but if there was a way to encourage collaborative builds of towering steampunk villages it would be cool.
With none of the typical farming automation available I hope the food is kept simple. (Edit, Aww dammit spiceoflife is in, oh well it's your pack!)
Hopefully there is a mod to make your standard inventory better.