Much like 1st ed Alternity was for D&D, to some degree. No, Alternity was not D&D in space, but some people seemed to think it was that. Whereas Starfinder unabashedly embraces the 'D&D in space' and it's still met with middling enthusiasm.
WotC wanted to find the worst cover art possible, so that when they put up a better one, we'll be happy.
All funning aside, curious as to what they're doing. I would gather another Xanathar like book, that would be awesome.
I have to say that Starfinder has slid right off my shelf as well.
It didn't click with me, but I kept a few modules, maps, and the Pact Worlds book for use in other scifi games.
The blades in the dark engine is an offshoot of the powered by the apocalypse engine, see here for a more in-depth discussion of it.
https://itch.io/t/420011/fitd-vs-pbta
I'm probably in the minority here, but that cover isn't super either. It looks very SPACE 1889 or something, more victorian and less Pulp Fantasy Action themed.
That warforged looks goofy too.
I picked up the Of Ships and the Sea GM Screen from amazon. It arrived this week, looks great! Gorgeous art and useful enough tables for that campaign.
Well, 5e takes a lot of the best parts of 4e as well.
I don't think anyone is trying to see PF2 as 4e, just some similarities jump out at first glance.