Fun outside of conn is better. Fun inside conn is easier. This is because I can always meet someone to PvP with there. Outside of conn I can't because usually conn is the system that's fullest of people who actually want pvp. If conn was removed, fun in the RP universe will be both better and easier.
However, some of our players only play this game because of conn and removing the system would ruin the game for them.
PS: I would love to have realistic military trainings where you train with your own faction and need actual captured enemy ships to understand their weaknesses.