I think perhaps we’re overlooking many of the implications of surpassing the 5k mark. The trading economy, mining economy and POB mechanic were largely built around this number. This is because money hungry players will always utilise the optimal means that the mod has to offer. This cap is there as the uppermost limit of what can be earned over time, and thus sets the pace of the game.
What we could potentially gain has been discussed, though what it would cost is a necessity to redesign the economy from it’s foundation. You’d also need to consider the implications of powertraders flocking to these new routes, how it shifts activity and if it concentrates it. How will this affect midnight trading when you no longer need a buddy to mine for the best profit? On the back of this, how will this affect convoy trading? Given our currently vague rules on who can smuggle, could these ships potentially be used for smuggling? If so do we also need to revisit the smuggling dynamic which requires not just a balance of profit, but RP.
It’s a tricky situation. And i’m not seeing the scales weighted enough for what we could gain as a community to back this idea. Since most of what i’ve read would only be to the benefit of individuals and seemingly reduce cooperative play.