I think players are happy with idea 1. Discovery is good, and any major changes you make, you will loose players, not gain any.
Plus, you can not make idea 2. automated. At least, it's not worth it. Would take too much time.
My idea for 1.5: I think I've seen a looong time ago a mod, where bases could be destroyed.
The story remains static, but players feel they can make a difference.
Pump up bases, make them regenerative, whatever, so only a concentrated RP-ed assault can take them out. Until the next server-restart. Or they respawn every 2 hours, I don't know. 2 problems whith this (imo): docked players, and 1 bored bomber pilot who keeps destroying bases. So you need to make them really strong.
This might make self appointed cap-ship captains more responsible, and they will not spend their time chasing lone fighters.
I see only a small part of the picture, but I think:
+ Gives roleplay and purpose to big shiny ships, even if they don't have an enemy and are bored, and are about to burn a lot of fuel on nothing.
+ Would speed up cap-ship market, which speeds up trading; they cost a lot.
+ If you pump up bases, cap ship patrols can be weakened, or removed.
- It's very not RP-like to destroy the same base 3rd time a day.
- Base-sitting, and fleeing from a fight to bases will increase. A lot.
+/- a lot more, I can not imagine, it's up to you to decide, either this is completely a bad idea or not.
Or just keep up the current event-based system, it's good as it is.
