It's a long process but yes as it's been said already, maxing the research in library and having maxed dock really does give some good rewards. I don't do the 3 person expeditions only the 2 or less as those are completed in 4.5-16 hours. With the absence of troop chests, I mainly use the Roc forces first than frontier force as well because it has wall breacher. Demolition squad is ok.
I wouldn't know for sure if people will use dock more now that they've added museum items in there but I'm sure that will covert a few people.