I think I've just realized why big ships can't dock at outposts...

[Katkon]

Eventually, many will aspire to fly the big ships. Clippers, Federal Dropships, Anacondas and other to-be-introduced large ships will keenly sought by pirates and - unfortunately - murderers. At least those that aren't seeking a challenge. By limiting docking pads to the medium variety at outposts, these folks will be forced to stay in anarchy space OR fly into non-anarchy space ports with scans/security to restock/outfit. This obviously becomes a risky proposition in a 100M+ credit ship. And, it's one with diminishing returns as those folks will need to pirate a LOT of little guys to make that profession worthwhile - IF they choose to fly big ships. So, by making the risks and economics the way they are, pirates will either be forced/encouraged to stay in anarchy space for their piracy/murderous effort or play in smaller/cheaper ships. Pretty clever, I think.

 

[ollobrains]

Perhaps this might be the direction. Or bigger stations for biggerships might be built, we know that in uncolonized systems factions will expand, at first with a basic contsctuction outpost ( i envisage a single docking port, living quarters and a very basic hanger) goods will be shipped in by the factions, missions to help with the expansion of trade, guess passangers and good for the planets underneath this sites

 

[Katkon]

Perhaps this might be the direction. Or bigger stations for biggerships might be built, we know that in uncolonized systems factions will expand, at first with a basic contsctuction outpost ( i envisage a single docking port, living quarters and a very basic hanger) goods will be shipped in by the factions, missions to help with the expansion of trade, guess passangers and good for the planets underneath this sites

That may happen too - same effect, though, unless those bigger stations don't have system authority vessels circling and scanning and/or the stations don't have weapons.

 

[Snakebite]

Eventually, many will aspire to fly the big ships. Clippers, Federal Dropships, Anacondas and other to-be-introduced large ships will keenly sought by pirates and - unfortunately - murderers. At least those that aren't seeking a challenge. By limiting docking pads to the medium variety at outposts, these folks will be forced to stay in anarchy space OR fly into non-anarchy space ports with scans/security to restock/outfit. This obviously becomes a risky proposition in a 100M+ credit ship. And, it's one with diminishing returns as those folks will need to pirate a LOT of little guys to make that profession worthwhile - IF they choose to fly big ships. So, by making the risks and economics the way they are, pirates will either be forced/encouraged to stay in anarchy space for their piracy/murderous effort or play in smaller/cheaper ships. Pretty clever, I think.

I always envisioned pirate hordes which had one or two large ships Anaconda's or Panthers and a host of small fighter escorts.... At the moment at least pirates (NPC's) seem to be operating solo, perhaps when human players start forming pirate gange will things get more 'interesting'.

I think the game mechanics should push pirates into the Anarchy systems... that's the way I always thought it would be.

 

[Thebadmf]

Unfortunately there are several anarchy systems with large stations run by less than law-abiding factions.

 

[Britannkic]

Or base yourself in Fed space and pirate in Empire space etc