Yes, i remember about the pirates >_>
Even in Clint Eastwood times there was some development and inventing. More to say, in sector we have never ending wars between factions. War (if it doesnt lead to total extermination) always pushes thechnologies forward.
Also we have Tri-tachyon corp, which by its nature tries to outsmart others. Just checked wiki: they literally collecting relics, researching and trying to reactivate the gates.
Argument about gameplay is more viable. But i understand that. Thats why i m saying that tech integration must be done properly, because it defenetely affect the game, and we want positive changes to be bigger than negative (i also understand that "positive" and "negative" here can be subjective).
Also, aren't Story Points doing some of the things that this hypothetical R&D industry is doing? Improving individual ships, giving bonuses, making things more efficient, etc.?
For me the story points look more like "breaking the rules" than R&D. I dont suggest rule breaking, i suggest the new side of gameplay. Currently we have two layers: economy and fleet power. Nothing else.
Why to explore, for example? You can steal forge from other faction. The same for synchro core. Thats for friendly fleets. For your own fleet you dont need even that, because you can just buy/capture few paragons and do what you want. The only unique thing in sector is planetary shield and you even dont need to put any effort finding it.
Why to trade, if you can earn money from colonies? I used trade (i mean: buying goods to sell em for profit, not just selling loot) only once: during beginners quests on my first playthrough. You need money? Just kill few pirate stations for bounty.
There are a lot of activites, but all of them make sense only if you want to roleplay. I dont want to roleplay. I want roleplay
and gameplay. Few weeks ago i started to play Terraria (again). Its also sandbox. And it has some activities, like fishing, building ect. And all of them make sense, you know... So, it is not an argument that SS is a sandbox.