Its not the problem that the honk is easy, its that its very simple. Exploration is about the discovery of the unexpected and exploration in Elite has always missed that very important factor.
From my point of view I find the whole think ridiculous, 3300 something , that is almost 1300 years and we still have not found a way to detect planets in an instant. We can detect planets nowdays by how they effect the light of its star when they pass in front of it, there is a whole science behind this.
So I think the whole , look mom I found a planet, is kinda lame. I think here is where true sci fi imagination comes in. Look at the Star Trek series, they never actually bother which planet is where and what planet is but they is always some weird phenomenon that defies traditional ways of detection. I mean yes I know if I go in a system I will find planets and moons, this is not what will entertain me, what will entertain me is the unexpected the unpredictable.
An asteroid on collision course to a planet
A start going supernova and taking me with it
A planet with abnormal strong magnetic field that makes my instruments go crazy and almost forces me to crash land
The extremely rare discovery of an unexpected wormhole sending me to wherever (this is actually star trek story from the first movie)
Malfunctioning of equipement for some unexplained reason that will require to play a mini game to detect the nature of the issue and apply the appropriate solution in a life or death scenario
The performance of science experiments to acquire new knowledge and even upgrade my modules (self engineering).
The discovery of new materials on the surface of planets , see above
etc
Many of those things do not require new mechanics for the game , because existing mechanics can be used, or complete overhauls. They are mere tricks to capture the attention of the explorer and keep him on his toes. Mini games that are very simple yet fun, like pac man, or tetris.
So there are easy ways to improve exploration however they require also a level of imagination because exploration is all about the story.