I picked orion because I now have CCU for one, even so I do wonder how many hours I will want to spend rock crushing..... hmmm. Anyways I think both are cool so I picked on looks. I think there are other solid options for cash making though, including the beerfarer and possibly even the Starliner (Who wants to deal with stroppy passengers though), nevermind just actual trading.
Even so logically ore resource will get used and whilst new claims can be found will the stuff regrow? Now ship wrecks, well you can see how player supply might help here. I picked Orion because I have the caterpillar which I hope can do some salvage but unless there are just to many they both should work.
I do agree ships are tough the main thing putting me of the orion is the prospector is so cool. I also expect they will do a smaller salvager although maybe the caterpillar can and also maybe the cruicible to, which would make the cruicible more useful.
Picking ships that cost so much with no way to know is a pain. At least with the combat ships you can try them (yes they will change but you know what I mean).