So: when you get good at fighting (combat rank) you get an invite from engineers with weapons mods? And when you get high explore / trade rank invited from engineers that buff those?
It might have been interesting the other way around.
Say I'm a Bounty Hunter (high combat rank).
Not only would engine mods make Exploring more appealing (as it would be easier); but I would also have added reason to explore (as that engineer gives weapons mods).
Of course: urging players to use multiple styles of play if they want to specialize may not be the way to go and what was actually done may be better... but I think it's an interesting road not taken.
It might have been interesting the other way around.
Say I'm a Bounty Hunter (high combat rank).
Not only would engine mods make Exploring more appealing (as it would be easier); but I would also have added reason to explore (as that engineer gives weapons mods).
Of course: urging players to use multiple styles of play if they want to specialize may not be the way to go and what was actually done may be better... but I think it's an interesting road not taken.