Clearing the area is a nice thing, I do agree.
However, the currencies in the game are Scrap & Weapon Parts. Scrap is used in The Ark, to buy grenades, medkits, or new weapons. Weapon Parts are used to upgrade weapons (2 upgrades, I think), which increase the weapon stats by a bit. While you can get some Weapon Parts by breaking down unwanted weapons, both resources are looted from zones. And once you pick it up, it doesn't respawn...
Levelling up gets you skill points, bought from a tree-style list. So, limiting fights means limiting skill points. I really don't mind this so much, as you have to think about progression more than in some other games.
I guess my biggest dislike is the limit on currency for expendable items. Although to be honest, I don't know how limiting that is in the long run.
However, I do really like the game (what I've played so far). It's tough - "save often" is the golden rule. Fights are tough, and you will want to think about your approach, skill usage, equipment, and probably still die & have to reload.
The skills you can get can really change things up, such as Hog Rush which will stun enemies for a couple of rounds. It is most definitely not a game to just rush into every fight.
If you liked the combat style of X-Com (new ones, not the originals), it plays mostly the same - tougher. I would recommend the game to anyone who likes this style of FPS - watch some videos & see what you think.