Just throwing in my thoughts after 50 pages [which I did not read all of] is for FDev to implement fleet carriers and the new content and everything as they go over the next 12, 18, 60 months [what ever] but keep it unavailable for all/most players just like it's done with the base game/horizons now.
Then, they know the code works and it can just be turned on by 'doing a release'. It would also give the NPCs a chance to 'test' some of the stuff like new ships or new wpns, FDev just have to let us know that NPCs may have new tech and that it's not YAB [yet another bug]
I'm throwing @Will Flanagan in case you've not thought of this idea and I hope you'll notice it
Then, they know the code works and it can just be turned on by 'doing a release'. It would also give the NPCs a chance to 'test' some of the stuff like new ships or new wpns, FDev just have to let us know that NPCs may have new tech and that it's not YAB [yet another bug]
I'm throwing @Will Flanagan in case you've not thought of this idea and I hope you'll notice it