As usual I have no idea how they think about the 300 rework and such stuff internally at CiG, so I wouldn't call what I write theorycrafting, more like wishing for things. Yeah, lets call it mx wishlist, with some added pessimism! :D
Some things I parrot that someone else might have already mentioned, but I'm too lazy to quote them atm, so sorry. :D
1.: One of my gripes against the development of SC is that they keep dropping new specialized multicrew ships for groups of 4+ ppl, while all of us who originally pledged for the single seater starter ships have been ignored since the PU started. All the Aurora and 300 variants have serious issues with the space-grid/animations/everything really, making them unplayable a lot of times.
With the announcement that the 3rd Hornet rework is underway but not yet finished, I don't think we will see any of the old single player non-combat oriented ships reworked before the middle of 2017. And even that is optimistic, with their current strategy, they can keep ignoring it up until full SC release, because you will always have something new to buy and fly every patch day.
2.: I got a 300i with my original bounty hunter pledge, and I would like to keep that "base" variant as it is. I want to change and upgrade it into whatever I want to later, it should be part of the fun and I don't want to loose that fun just because it doesn't have a specific single role in the PU. I think we need much more "generic" ships, especially for starting out, not just very specialized ones that can only be used for a single task.
The basic things that were promised for the 300 series, like cargo space, should be added with the least amount of modification to the current design. The interior is currently too crammed for anything. Touring and exploration are pretty much out of the question with no accommodations, apart from the single bed.
-- I would delete the doors and make them simply part of the hull, and fill the space inside with:
-add kitchen/toilet/cabinets, for the base variant
-should be either empty and closed off or filled with more poweeeer for the racer
-extra scanning station for the explorer on top of the kitchen/toliet/cabinets
-internal missile racks for the extra punch or more generators for extra power to shields and such for the fighter
-- I would solve the entry and exit with the walkway between the cockpit and the rear, (basicly the part below the bed) coming down as a ramp transforming into steps on its way down because its a steep climb.
--Cargo space should be below the "living quarters" part on the base and explorer variant, filled with some extra shield generators or by a missile rack for an underslung missile launcher on the figher. Racer my have this part cut off for better aero/sleek looks/weight reduction bro!
- The cargo could be loaded by a lift mechanism. The real fun part would be to have the option of installing a "fake ceiling" inside the cargo bay, to hide contraband in, with hidden access to the compartment through the floor of the "living quarters".
- In it's current design the whole ship looks like it consists of a front part with doors/cockpit with the useless area inside, the rear part with a huge engine module that makes up half of the ship, and some wings. This makes it look like a very old inefficient ship, with a huge engine and yet not much speed or power for it's size. I think this engine module should be shorter with the inside extending back more, and with more cargo space placed below . I'm thinking using about 1/4 or even 1/3 of the engine pod for this.
3.: I think with the changes I described it would enable the base 300i variant to be a small fast transport/smuggler that can stand up against a few pirates or even outrun them, so it would be better for starting out then an aurora, but not by much. So a tier2 starter. The other variants would keep and improve upon their specializations, so those who chose the other variants get what they paid for as well.
There is no need to turn the 300 into yet another "you must play with at least 3 friends all the time, oh and now you'r another totally unnecessary very-special single-purpose-only ship" ship, so I hope it will stay the same small single pilot ship with space for max 1-2 passengers.
Actually I would like to see the option of a luxury compartment mod to the 300i, turning into a 375si or something, for later when the passenger system gets implemented... Ferry around some high ranking ppl, hold a very private party, or just to lay back in style.
Alright, alright, I'm gonna go off now for some extra beer so I won't bother you all with my visions of the 300 anymore... There's just so many things that should be done with it :D
