I have a simple question to solo/group players.
Why do you want to avoid open play so much?
Isn't it exciting you can be interdicted by somoone with real IQ than n stupid NPC's? Can't you find a way to avoid being killed, i.e. try a bit RPG with your opponents? Try to find a way to escpase from real trouble, other then switching into solo? Isn't it fun to mąkę friebds with other cmdr's try to organize and nich those Pirates?
Lately the biggest fun i get playing ED is pvp, and the best thing in it is not to kill Someone but jest to fight and win even IF win means to take opponents shiels down. IF a fight isin't unfair (fdv vs cobra) then it is always fun, even IF i am the one who is killed. Moreover 90% of my enemies have found the way to run away. Most od them had time to chat and noone was dissappointed.
give it a chance