We'll be able to create multiple pilot characters for 1 account. Is that what you meant by opt-out of player ID?
Right now, there is a visible difference on our scanners between a PC and an NPC flown ship. We may have the option to opt out of being identified as a PC, meaning we'll look like another NPC to griefers and player killers, two groups of players that tend to make players like me shy away from games and modes that permit non-consensual PvP.
We don't mind PvP, but we don't want to be attacked for out-of-game reasons. We want to be attacked by a PC pirate because we're carrying valuable cargo, not because we're a player, and will be upset when all our loot is blown up. We want to be attacked by a PC mercenary because we sold our services to the other side of a conflict, not because we're a player, and therefore we MUST be more of a challenge than an NPC.
It's called herd immunity, being one of many in a crowd, and it insures that PvP, while always being a danger in the game, isn't an everyday occurrence. Because we're honest with ourselves, and are well aware that we lack the time, resources, and/or desire to "meta game," all of which is required to be competitive in PvP.
We believe that the the threat of PvP adds spice to the game, but constant PvP would just be frustrating, because we'd constantly lose. We lack the time to "keep up with the Joneses." We lack the money to run 1337 gaming rigs and fiber-optic cable for best ping times and bandwidth. Or we don't want to break character or use out of game knowledge, and thus make sub-optimal choices.
Edit:
Isn't both of them online?
Yes they are, but both modes are distinct from themselves, as well as the option to play in smaller groups. My choices to play are Ironman, the ALL group, or solo-online. I'm not likely to play in a smaller group, since I have few gamer friends, and none of them are interested in sims like Elite.
