I think Open PVE mode, and putting it main menu's default would solve all these problems. Of course then whining of some player section would be unimaginably intense. As traditional Open would really become consentfull PVP mode and player population there would quite likely take big hit.
Since it's likely that Open PVE mode won't be implemented any time soon, I'm looking at what Odyssey is said to be bringing and actually really hoping that the player hubs will be a better way to organize cooperative multiplayer activities.
In deeply ironic contrast to my role as a ganker in Elite Dangerous, in my all-time favorite game franchise, Monster Hunter, I have actually gotten in-game tokens reflecting my deep commitment to co-op gameplay, specifically, for helping lower-level players progress in the game ("Hunter Helper" pendants, for those who know the game).
Monster Hunter is one of the very best co-op games ever created, and it would be amazing if Elite's new player hubs could borrow ideas from it.
In Monster Hunter, a player can post a quest (this would be a "Mission" in Elite). The quest is for a specific target, has various conditions (time limit, kill or capture, etc) and location. The player can depart on that quest solo, or up to 3 other people in the hub can sign up for it. There's a notification broadcast to the hub when the quest is posted. It works really well and allows parties to go on quests together, as well as allowing randoms seeking co-op to help each other out.
The hub is also a place where players can "chill out" and do text chat with one another, show off their gear, check out each others' loadouts (and give tips/advice for same), and so forth. Heck, they can even do emotes, if they want. It's really a great way to organize both spontaneous and planned activities.
These types of features are sorely lacking in Elite right now. You can sort of do them via system and DM chat, but it's not that great, honestly. Hence the wide profusion of Discord servers and other out-of-game resources filling the gap for what should, ideally, be included in the game itself.