There is a problem with FCs in that systems could get, how we say, rammed with carriers like a pre COVID Saturday town centre. Its possible places could be strategically blocked or shipyards have problems.
A possible solution powered by caffeine : Why not make fleet carrier upkeep based on (or modified by) where you park it? So in lore terms its the local faction in charge applying a berthing fee on you (to pay for all that security flying around
)The more populous, lore packed or unique places charge more to park your carrier each day than say, next door which is uninhabited where upkeep could be much less (saving you a lot of cash). Shipyards could be very expensive to loiter in maybe. It would incentivize owners to park away from places where FCs might cause issues- Power capitals, tourism hotspots or areas with significant lore.
But, the further out you go into space, it could be that upkeep drops significantly since you are not potentially blocking anything.
So for example- parking in Sol might be +20% more on your upkeep costs, while parking somewhere with an orbiting tin shack is neutral or negative. Thrifty commanders might plot journeys based on these modifiers, while explorers could have a reduction as well (since they are away from all civilization).
