I really don't think bots should be removed since they are the only option for true megabases. I propose the following changes:

Personal Construction Robots earlier in game.
Logistics Robots require Blue circuits and/or Efficiency Module
Requester Chest much later in research.

How about a difficulty setting, easy/medium/hard/extreme on map generation?

This way you can choose how much time you want to spend on combat. Plus extreme could be a fun new challenge for veteran players.

I would really love to see automated biter nest clearing for the (post) endgame. Rocket turrets or combat roboports come to mind.

I really like the idea of removing Alien Artifacts from research and production.

I also like the idea of making them consumables.

Perhaps to boost research speed for a cycle.

Or to make extra powerful ammo: Artifact enhanced grenades, rockets, bullets, capsules, etc.

I just wanted to create a bug report for the exact same thing. My coal line was getting polluted with solar panels while upgrading from steam to solar.