It isn't a case of atmos techs being nerfed, its a case of atmos techs being bloody broken! Space loops are useless, hull breaches are far less fun then they should be due to the very simple fact that you need two things: A patched hull and a working distro loop. With cold space, you would also need to bring in a space heater.
Gee,maybe because that's due to atmos techs being the only ones that INTERACT WITH SPACE IN A MEANINGFUL AWAY.
Having cold space makes it easier to balance, far far easier, infact for shorter trips space may end up safer if vacuum damage is nerfed.