There are 220 PoB's currently. PoB's is a major reason for player attraction and retention.
There are 25 barges now. May be we should have much larger dockable but static barges that are heavily fortified and armoured so if they do get destroyed, they can respawn. 25 barges means a lot of trading... moving stuff from PoB's to other places.
DSE|- has always, it seems, used them as a focal point in RP. Old Trafford was built to help rebuild Manchester 5 years ago and has been its HQ. Veltman Smelter was built to deconstruct Southampton shipyard, and even has a major history in helping build other PoB's under contract.
Just reading the volume of forum RP alone for DSE|- is a long read going back to 2017! Lots of players and characters. It has had trials and tribulations by the various CEO's, had a franchise system, helped in the major rebuild of Bretonia, and has been involved with extensive RP ingame and in forums. Fe
Personally I find a richness in having historical memories around PoB's especially the interplay with other players. Teaming up to help build or RP a PoB purchase or move for example. It is a lot of fun!