I wouldn't want NPC scavengers taking away opportunities that I could have grabbed if only I rushed exploration, because that's just going to lead to a feeling of needing to rush exploration ASAP to not lose out on potential loot. It makes sense, of course, but I don't think it makes for fun gameplay necessarily.
Hey, I don't mean they should motivate you to
rush exploration, only to make you consider whether you're fine losing on easy exploration grabs. Since comparatively, you'll be getting those easy grabs by trading, too, by getting easy money and having repeated access to various core markets. Nonetheless, I feel like there's potential fun coming from the opportunity to grab some fun loot (blueprints, perhaps even colony items) on its way to core by looking for tip-offs in bars and acting upon them.
Sorry for the off-topic, just felt like I had to explain myself.
EDIT: To drive my idea home, the two mechanics (the loss of easy grabs and scavenger ambush) could be tied together. When a scavenger or a faction expedition grabs a one-of object you could've had discovered yourself, you get a chance to find this out from a pather in a bar on a colony you're currently visiting, for a price of course. Obviously, some sort of protection should be implemented so that the game doesn't explore the sector for you, let's say the [REDACTED] make for a damn good NPC repellent ^^