Have it where a player can buy storage space per Station. There could be a flat starter fee for a certain amount and then the player could buy expansions. Give "station stashes" a page scheme and tabs that can be labeled. Then once that is set up allow players to commission a station for contracts to trade / sell their goods [tagged or special page(s)] on the local market. Also allow players to commission certain station(s) (based on type) to construct ships, SRV's, suits, weapons, all their parts / equipment, and more complex trade goods all to be traded / sold on the local market.
Re-work Engineers to offer and provide missions that reward rare schematics for items that they specialize in. Allow players to learn their techniques and then the player can make "modded gear" at the risk of failed or sub-standard gear.
Exploration can reveal new / rare materials, hidden alien tech, and new biologicals that can be stored and trade / sold at a station. Explorers can drop nav beacons after a system has been fully explored so other players can go their to mine, manufacture, etc...
Have each Powerplay faction build equipment of their own with unique strengths and weaknesses (think "Manufacturing Brands"). Working for a faction can reveal how to build these items, and destroying enemy ships drops loot like parts, data, and even intact equipment that can be sold, reverse engineered, and used to make equipment. Players can influence Faction strength by what and how much they trade within a Faction's control zones. (think supplying the war effort or providing funding for it)
Re-work Fleet Carriers to be able to do most of this but on a smaller portable scale. Fleet carriers can also be used to transport larger amounts of goods and larger goods (ships) for trade and sale. Or they can be used as an "Auxiliary" to help hasten production of a station. Give them a "set-up" and "breakdown" timers. Allow them to add specialized modules that have a visual effect where appropriate, and they have a timer and resource requirement to build.
Allow players to have more diplomatic relations with "Aliens" as well so war isn't the only option.
IT ALMOST LIKE "STATION STASHES" COULD BE THE KEY TO THIS WHOLE POTATO...
