Why do you think it will be a gore-fest first person shooter? While I want space legs, I don't want just a First Person Shooter slapped on to the game. Anyway you shouldn't worry as the expansion will be optional. Don't want it, don't buy it and continue playing as you are.
No need to throw in the towel if you are happy with the game as it is.
Okay here I am going to lay out my concern, then I'd better close my browser and get some work done.
The leaks mentioned FPS combat (Starship Trooper style?)
Not getting the expansion means not getting all the other stuff that we are waiting so long for.
So, my concern is that I will want to get the expansion, but that leaving your ship will include the risk of pointless and stupid FPS combat in the stations or what-not and that this will be random and mandatory. So then the game becomes an FPS game alongside a spaceship game whether you want it or not. If this scenario does unfold I will be done with Elite at that point.
I hope I am wrong, but I want Frontier to hear my concern in case I am not. If space legs has an optional opt-in combat system that can be ignored then fine. Because space legs WOULD be totally awesome! Walking around the ship and the bases and visiting vendors, and exploring the cities, etc. That would add a lot to the game. Just don't make me carry a space pistol or whatever.