I grew up reading scifi and space operas, like David Weber, Elizabeth Moon, John Ringo and my absolute favourite Randolph Lalonde.
Lalonde created a universe almost exactly the same as Starsector with his novel series The Spinward Fringe. If you are a fan of this game and the lore I would strongly suggest having a look at that series. Even the prequel books are free.
That universe Lalonde created was where you can have a ship, modify it to your hearts content, with all the low tech and high tech and fighters, and go out into the great beyond ruled by Mega-Corp and Multi-System Alliances. Where you can trade, smuggle, kill or build your way into a a force that can be reckon with in the sector. And this game is it. The moment I realised the degree of freedom you have in this game I immediately bought it. Never have I ever buy a game this quickly before.
The only thing that I missed from the series that I would like in this game is the ability to modify fighter hulls and modify weapons mount. And boarding but you guys have beaten that horse to the ground already. I just want to say thank you for this game. God I wish I could afford to give you more money for creating a game that gives substance to a game of my dream.