Well, the only solution I see would what many players have already asked FDEV to do: to give meaning to anarchies and core sectors. The latter, for instance, should be so safe that not even the most hardened PVP murderboat would be safe. Anybody going weapons hot without a VERY good reason should be staring down the guns of at least half a dozen fully engineered top-of-the-line combat vessels, and see a rebuy screen forthwith.
Anarchies, on the other hand, would, by necessity, be a totally different kettle of fish. HOWEVER, I'd like everybody to remember what anarchy means, what it really is. Anarchy does NOT mean that everybody can commit all kinds of crime, or is encouraged to. Originally, it was envisioned as a society where morality (and common sense) would make intervention by authorities superfluous.
In ED, of course, this need not be the case. They would be lawless. HOWEVER, even in such sectors (especially in such sectors!), certain transports would be expected to go unmolested. Not nearly every system is self-sufficient. If no food gets through, the people starve. Even die-hard anarchists want to eat. Without medical supplies, more people get sick and die. Even the most wild-eyed anarchist would not want to die from an otherwise easily curable disease.
So, certain commodities would be considered very important, and their bearers would likely be encouraged to come (admittedly at their own risk). I do see, however, groups in anarchies setting out to curb excessive violence, at least when directed at those delivering stuff vital for the continued existence of socity in that sector. In other words, PVP murder boats duking it out with one another -- no problem. Nothing to see here. Burning down the umpteenth supplier of grain -- not so great (unless a famine is called for).
I KNOW, the counter argument is, of course, "It's a game!" Of course it is. However, a game is meant to be fun, for all customers, not just a minority who think that ED is way too soft on players.
As I said, I could live with anarchies being made considerably tougher (as long as core sectors were made considerably safer -- as logic would dictate).
However, that is ultimately FDEV's choice, and I kinda doubt they listen to my whining (or anybody else's, at that).
I hope I didn't step on your toes (or anybody elses), given I didn't have my clown shoes on.
