This a little outside the box, but here it goes... Since most of us seem primarily focused on roleplaying and not powergaming (judging from everyone's sincere concerns for keeping the game balanced) the special prize at the center of such a difficult maze leading to the station could be something more symbolic, instead of powerful. Could it be a weapon of comparable power to weapons already in the game, but with a different effect (color, lighting, pattern, etc..) or some other piece of equipable object, that is distinct. Thus, if someone correctly managed to get through, they would have it as proof. I know that sounds a little goofy, but think about it. There must be something simple that could be done that would show one has successfully navigated through and returned. Of course, I am assuming a very high level of difficulty. If anyone can make it through its probably not worth doing at all, and the time developing it would be better served working on a beautiful but more typical system. Ack, I know I am out there on this one, but still. It could even be a special mine dropper/mine, that had a special look, and did similar damage to a top end mine already in the game. Something more focused on distinction than power. Bragging rights ;) Apologies for length.
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For myself I am an optimist - it does not seem to be much use being anything else.
-Sir Winston Churchill
