Somebody probably said this already but if they did I hence forth agree:
Make ship progression linked to your career progression. The farther you progress in your career the better ships become available to you at equal progression in cost. There, you fix the problem. If I spend all my time improving my combat rank I will eventually get the best combat ship and enhanced combat modules. If I spend all my time exploring I will get the best exploration vessel with the best exploration modules etc. This way you can't just spend weeks space trucking and then go buy a Vulture. If you want a vulture you have to earn it through the most logical progression. I think most people would be ok with this compromise. What do you think?
Make ship progression linked to your career progression. The farther you progress in your career the better ships become available to you at equal progression in cost. There, you fix the problem. If I spend all my time improving my combat rank I will eventually get the best combat ship and enhanced combat modules. If I spend all my time exploring I will get the best exploration vessel with the best exploration modules etc. This way you can't just spend weeks space trucking and then go buy a Vulture. If you want a vulture you have to earn it through the most logical progression. I think most people would be ok with this compromise. What do you think?