Hit the nail on the head. I don’t think I’d mind the size of New Atlantis so much if there was actually enough content within it, but as it is, you have to run for a while to get to anywhere, meaning you’ll either fast travel or be bored while going on foot. I think Akila city is a bit better in that regard, since it’s still fairly big, and has some verticality, while also being denser.
Personally, New Atlantis deserves a side-quest where you either start a revolt together with the people from the the well to take on the bourgeoisie government (which might end up creating a fascist state), or change the system electorally, establish unions, social security and public healthcare, with its own risks. Or even play the part of a populist, or help one to take over the government. The “liberal utopia” in New Atlantis is just not a stable system, there would be too much disgruntled people. Being part of change here, would be very interesting.
But that would take too much courage from Bethesda. No, I have to support my parents there, because the government doesn’t care for their people.