This was a bold decision on the part of the devs. I wasn't too happy about it, initially (and still believe there was a missed opportunity here), but it makes a lot more sense in the broader context (i.e. the dev diaries since).

Did you ever play Distant Worlds: Universe? They had FTL interdiction that was a lot of fun to play with. I kinda wished Stellaris had headed in that direction, but I understand the decisions they've made.