My mod goal is a better vanilla experience... I'm not after total conversions or other excesses.

To that end, I use EdB Interface, EdB Prepare Carefully, and Pawn State Icons as core "fix the game" mods. Most people would add Vein Miner to this list, but for some reason I never use it.

I use Superior Crafting as the foundation for a modded experience. It's a big mod, but it somehow manages to still feel like vanilla most of the time, while "fixing" the vanilla tech tree and adding better prosthetics without being overbearing like EPOE. Sometimes I feel like it goes a bit too far with intermediates, but overall I enjoy it.

I use the various Rimsenal mods for fleshing out weapons/defense. Very polished. Beautiful art.

I always seem to use RedisHeat and PowerSwitch. They're very small utility mods that provide better temp and power management. Also the various Omni mods were definitely worth considering, but Alpha 11 has lessened the need for them with removable floors and IEDs. But OmniStorage can still be helpful.

Beyond that, I experiment with this or that, but haven't stuck with anything. I'm using Expanded Prosthetics right now just because Superior Crafting isn't in 11 yet, but I don't like it (seems overdesigned). I'm tyring out Haplo's Miscellaneous for the first time. It's a weird mix of must haves and crap I don't want... I like it. Tried Industrialization, but found I was just ignoring its features while playing. Wouldn't mind trying Finer Things just to have a few side industries going beyond art and beer.

If you just bought the game, play through vanilla at least once or twice (perhaps with just EdB Interface). It's quite good on its own, and you'll get a feel for what it is you want to change with mods.