thanks for the reply!
Really glad to hear that the team is thinking about different weapon possibilities.
I do understand the tricky nature of fully working claimable ships being a big jump in power for the player. My idea kinda revolved around the whole Refugee system you guys are bringing in and I thought would it not be possible to have something like Refugee ships that you could trade back to the factions for some reputation or rewards or we could even build on the idea of the refugee system, say for example you respond to a distress beacon and take on board a refugee, you could repair up their ship for them and get it running again and return the refugee to their ship for some reputation gains. I think gaining reputation with the factions is currently quite limited unless you're willing to chuck a lot of resources at it and this would offer a fresh avenue to gain those reputations.
Thanks again for taking the time to reply.
These are interesting ideas, thanks! =)