I've never had slicing pre nerf but the above quote explains what im doing. Started this yesterday for around 12hr shift. Doing some data mining myself to work out which is best but i can honestly say moderates seem to be best for not losing any money each run bt you make less profit.
However back to main point. I made about 10k in 12hr period (not 100% on button, was some time between some of them).
This was running 2 companions only (alt). Now while i agree its not alot of money, it is money for nothing (free from my perspective). Now the profit will go up once i finish data mining and decide which way is best for profit as well as getting more companions.
I also got numerous cybertech ship schematics (which i need for my main) and diff mission discoveries, diplomancy UT, scavaging, treasure hunting), these would also add to the profit as well.
As alot of other people mentioned, the main bread and butter should be slicing in the field, anything got this way is just extra. As long as it makes you a profit in long run (which it does) there really shouldnt be any complaints.
People say its not econimcal any more? lol! I can only see 2 scenarios here
1. You cant play, so just send companions out for creds (which do make profit but slow)
2. You can play but can only use 1 companion in world so send rest on slicing missions (this still brings in extra creds which you wouldnt have if you didnt send them.
So in summary, it is profitable. Its an extra source of incoming while playing or unable to play. Sure i'd like to be able to get more creds from it (who wouldnt) but to say it is actually needed is a bias view.
Now wheather its comparable to other crew skills, this would seem hard to judge. No other crew skill is designed to be straight +creds. Sure the others get you ingreds and stuff, these may make more profit but this is all based on the player economy, supply and demand.