Alter the HUD text so it has a black outline around the actual text colors. This will let it be readable regardless of being on a bright or dark background.
That would be handy. I'd also add to throw the speed, distance etc. somewhere else on the dash.
Sometimes you can't read a thing when you're surrounded by stars, planets and all the rest.
I thought it had a "drop shadow" anyway - I remember complaining about it (eye-strain) yonks ago and was told it was there so you could read against bright backgrounds - like against the star at Nav Beacons for example.