… I agree with the sentiments. The thing that needs not fixing is the auction part. The game seems to be too long for what it is for others, too. Also, the achievements don't seem to be on the same level.

One fix for length would be that the game is played until n chips are claimed (depending on the number of players), every player can claim one of every sort, and receives one point for the chip plus one point for each player who has not scored the same chip yet. This would keep the incentive for saving for higher-ranked achievements.

Has anything come out of the variant PD Magnus seemed to be working on?

The auction system gives you quite a bit of control over your fate, unlike Phase 10. My impression was that it was a bit too long for what it is, but the bidding felt intense and you had to concentrate on your goals.