Well, I'm female, but that's a set of stuff we won't bother with.
The truth is I don't give a flying crap if people are playing Angry Birds in elite or not. I may have to get an Angry Birds decal now...see what you've done?
The galaxy is mind boggling-ly sexy. In order to live there and fly around I have to learn to defend myself. Otherwise I would just explore and smile and love everyone and everything. So, I need solo npc stuff...
My Christmas tree bobble head makes me weep with joy. I love the cockpit. I will love my hotas ... one day ... I'm now wanting to make my own hawt voice commands/answers in Voice Attack.
I loved watching the to YAW or not to yaw video...maybe I'll watch the docking one a few more times *cough*.
You get my drift? My need for other players is simply the need to be in a community in this game. I can sense everyone. I did that in eve for 7 years. I don't have to steal or blow up ships to make my living in a space game. Hell, I may just fly around in my respawnable ship forever...assuming I figure out how to stay fueled for the long trips.
Pirates need victims and they don't want to wait until people are trained up a tad before they jump in. Solo mode protects newbs (unless they want to be killed "SHOOT ME! FREE BOUNTY!") and makes pirates wait...and some don't like the wait and actually sound like ... wait for it: ANGRY BIRDS! OMFG ... ROFLMAO
No offense, I thought your longer bit on money was brilliant, and it inspired me to blah blah blah. I can never resist.
http://www.ted.com/talks/jane_mcgonigal_massively_multi_player_thumb_wrestling