I'm not asking for more rules that absolutely, no questions asked, HAVE to be in the game. I want more rules that are there for people to use if they like them and find they add to the story.
One might argue that, in a RPG line like TOR, it's the job of supplements to add rules that can optionally be added to the game. It's the model that was followed for 1st edition, especially with books like Adventurers Companions.
I think IMO that it's important to not overload the Core rulebook with optional rules, because you have to keep in mind that:
1) It takes time for players, and especially new players, to parse a book like the Core rulebook. The more optional rules you add, the longer it takes; furthermore, it might end up costing book space for things like lore (remember, not everyone is a Tolkien Ph.D.) and more details/examples for the rules already there.
2) You might argue that optional rules are optional, and that players are free to use them or not... But to make the decision to use or not use an optional rule, you have to read it, understand it, realize how it interacts with other rules and gameplay, and probably test it at least a little before making a decision. Now imagine adding 10 optional rules. Can you imagine what a load it can be for many players to make a decision about whether or not to use it?
All this to say that I think there's definitely a place for more crunch and optional rules in TOR. I just think it should come later in the game's life, and I think FL and Francesco were wise to do as they did.