most fun concept was also the most basic - send a raid, get loot.
Hmm... Not just "hmm", but HMMM!!! ©
If the best concept happens to be the simplest, why not try simple things further?
Privateer base: sand a raid => get loot.
Mercenary den(possible Privateer base upgrade or alternative): Pay a money(based on target strength) => send a raid(you chose where) => get loot.
Task force HQ(military alternative): Pay a money => send a raid(no loot).
Vivisection Center(
dark side option) Send a raid => Satbomb&plunder everything(greatly reduced loot)
Department of aggressive investments("clear hands" solution): Pay a money => persuade pirates to raid your foes instead of you (no rep lose and off course no loot)
Procurement Office(Traders choice): Detect NPC market deficit => Send a trade fleet there (If player produce that commodity) => Get rep&money(If manage to reach destination and back)
Genocide node(Yes, I am drunk
): Collect enough AI cores => Launch devastating "Kill all humans" raid onto system you apparently hate for some reason (Once arrived in system fleets became hostile to everyone, including player)