It's just an option. And it will still 'change' the universe. All modes are completely connected, all they do is separate visibility from players. If I was a true hardcore PVPer, I'd start a group and get as many people as I could to play in it, set a system to go to all the time and watch it fill up with all the other PVPers that want to fight skilled, dedicated PVP pilots. I wouldn't waste my time following around unshielded traders and trying to find systems where people may not want to join me in my quest to become the ultimate PVP pilot.
That's just me though.
You miss the question "why open play", but it doesn't matter, i'm a bit joking.
But, like is now the game, and considering your opinion, if you were a true hardcore pvper you would like atleast a way to do pvp when and where you want, without the task of a private group, but just a place where to shoot someone, for many reasons (you want to take a brek from other activties, you don't have too much time but want to shoot someone (playing Elite ofc), maybe to test a fit).
I bet that, if you were a true hardcore pvper

and i can bet if you were a true harcore pvper you would much more

It's just my opinion

Ah, for the records, i am not a true hardcore pvper. i am a player who loves ED and would to improve his experience... like you i guess
