So, instead of bashing the server staff, I'm gonna be actually constructive here, and propose a server environment that's focused on PvE yet keeps challenging new players to actually learn to build efficient, learn which weapon/system combo works best for a certain purpose, and to cooperate:
- Enable blueprint uploads, but set a mass cap. Say, 50K, but 100K max for ships and 10x that (including docked) for stations.
I have seen servers that set up an automatic system that disabled any ship over the mass cap that didn't have a -1 faction ID (Pirate) until it had enough mass removed to fall below that threshold, where it became functioning again.
What this achieves: I never learned as much about building efficient or balancing function and form as on mass capped servers. It becomes a necessity, as you arrive at a point where you can't just throw in a couple thousand more blocks and win by sheer size difference. You gonna have to think about where and what to place, and balance out your build. This also keeps the server load relatively low, but the mass range has plenty of beautiful ships on the community content to browse, small enough to be relatively fun to fly, also large enough to allow full roleplay quality interiors, as well still offering the option to dock your fleet to your homebase or set up large, well defended bases that are big enough to be hard to siege so you're not forced to just sit at your invulnerable homebase.
Possible drawbacks: This would also allow veteran PvP players to upload their "broken OP" designs to the server. However, if you retain that PvP must be consensual, this can be managed.
- Deploy correctly set up pirate waves and amp up the AI accuracy. 6 easy (Isanths and similar ships under 500 mass), 3 medium (1K-3K size ships, up to 3-4 per wave maybe with some small fighters), and 1 epic wave (the last containing a single capital ship that's twice or more over the mass cap, and small fighter escort). This'll guarantee that there's only a 10% chance (at most) for the Big Bad to spawn so it will be a rare sight.
What this achieves: Not only does this make the PvE aspect of the game more challenging, but the unique pirate roster makes the server unique as well. We have seen enough of the defaults. Every single one of us. Especially that they haven't been updated since forever.
Also, the chance to drop the Big Bad will create more incentive to get better at building, learn to pilot better, and to cooperate with other players to take it down, as it cannot be beaten by sheer size. This'll boost player-to-player interaction OTHER than PvP, and also gives a source of useful blocks that is way more entertaining to obtain than asteroid and planet mining.
Possible drawbacks: Some careless players could run into the better pirates and die. It's part of the game. Man best learns from mistakes. A child won't believe that the pot on the stove is hot until their hand gets burnt by it. If they can't handle losing a ship, I recommend a build server instead of a survival one.
