I'm thinking it's more likely a case of paranoia.
I've said it before, and I genuinely believe it - forcing PVP and PVE / co-op -focused players into the same game mode is a terrible design choice. This thread has only deepened that feeling and impression.
If I had my way, I would play on a PVP-only server, where even if there were PVE activities possible, it was understood that PVP was the default mode and should be expected. All players would understand that when signing into it, and wouldn't be angry when it happened, because it would be "the game." Like playing a game a of chess, or checkers, or whatever.
To be clear, that's what I sincerely
thought I was signing up for when I picked up Elite, but apparently - as this thread has shown me - I was mistaken. Deeply mistaken.
As it turns out, there are a number of players who actively hate the notion of being involved in PVP, and yet, they insist on playing in Open - because FDev gives them no choice if they want emergent co-op opportunities. Sure they could play in Solo or PG - but that does take away their satisfaction, in ways that have been documented here by their many responses.
What a toxic mess and breeding ground for the horrible kind of actions taken by the worst elements of the gaming community - doxxing, swatting and the like.
The worst part of all is that I am beginning to suspect there are some out there who get off on these types of revenge fantasies. It's more than a little chilling, especially when someone starts bandying around talk of "consequences" and doxxing and whatnot. Should I be swatted for taking your queen in a game of chess? Really? That's a real thing I need to be worried about in my leisure activity?
Someone out there is reading these words, and something deep inside them is rubbing its hands and chuckling with glee.