I did just fine on the final pre mothership derelic - tough fights but manegable. Then came the mothership...I am totally unable to win any fights here, get my a** handed to me. I am already at max level (=10) and have what I guess is as good gear as gear get. So? What gives?

I could some months ago, but the worst is even the final fight in center of ship, so I couldn't end the game.
I hope it was balanced with patches.

+1 balance patch is a must!

You seem right, the game is more difficult than before. Already at level 7 I find it boring, reloading games. One year ago I didn't need to reload, but only at the end boss I was stopped and couldn't finish the game. So, at the mothership maybe now the game is impossible, even without reaching the boss.