I'd say there's your problem right there. "If you want to get bigger ships." There is a difference between what you want and what you need. Unless you're a bulk trader, bigger isn't always better in this game, and some careers are simply better for smaller ships. Elite: Dangerous is as much a sim as this is a game, and there is such a thing known as over capitalization. If you want to maximize your income, then don't over capitalize. Fly what makes you the most money, and what you can afford to lose, as opposed to dishing out millions for a status symbol. If you're doing something you hate to so you can afford doing something you love, then maybe you should look at your own choices, including the ship you fly.
I really don't want this game to change, where getting a bigger ship and class "A" equipment always yields better results. I want there to be real choices with real consequences, not all of which are positive ones. I want to be able to fail catastrophically thanks to poorly thought out decisions out of combat, as well as in combat. I know not everyone will agree with me, but that's the kind of game I enjoy playing.
