The subreddit /r/NoMansHigh has more subs than the other one and is still generally the place to discuss the game.

Weak lineup is definitely subjective, Dead Star is a truly fun experience and cannot wait for the full game. Zombi, never played it, but it might be good!

I dunno if I’d simply write off Dead Star as a shmup. Ikaruga is a shmup. Dead Star, not so much. It’s very tactical and a LOT slower paced than the average shmup.