Also there should be some filters for instancing with PvE Openers, as it can be immersion breaking.
Rather than preventing players from being able to shoot at each other - for which I get the "immersion breaking" point - how about the penalties for killing another player get some teeth? Essentially, the Pilots Federation extend Enhanced Protection / Insurance to members - and harsh punishments for murder - unless members are doing "work" for other factions (missions) or other high-risk / illegal activities.
Scenarios in which this Enhanced Protection is withdrawn - and, therefore, you can kill a player with the current level of repercussions - would include:
- The player shot at you first
- The player is on the opposing side in a CZ
- The player has a Bounty on them
- The player is carrying a mission with a "hostile ships may be sent against you" of a rank
at least equal to your own combat rank AND has weapons equipped
- The player is carrying Rare, Stolen or Illicit cargo
All of the above effectively are a "PvP Flag" but expressed via in-game mechanisms / risk levels. Crucially, this means anyone just quietly Trading or Exploring is NOT fair game.
So, under any other circumstances - when Enhanced Pilots Federation Protection is in place - killing another Pilots Federation player result in:
1. Free rebuy cost for the victim
2. Pilots Federation Bounty on the murderers head:
- High Bounty: Total equal to the FULL COST of either the destroyed ship or their own ship, whichever is greater
- Assets Frozen: Can't change or purchase ships or modules until the Bounty is paid (but can still buy fuel and ammo in case you need to earn cash to pay the Bounty!)
- Mode Lock: Locked to Open mode until the Bounty is paid off
- Insurance Suspended: No rebuy option until the Bounty is paid off - you die, it's Sidewinder time
That would give some real consequences but would still allow players to interdict a player flying with Enhanced Pilots Federation Protection (which should be flagged when you scan them), fire a couple of salvos and - if they fire back - it's game on, otherwise leave 'em alone or the penalties will be severe.