Find this file:
PerfOptions.ini
in:
c:\Documents and Settings\[user\Dokumenter\My Games
and change the: DIFFICULTY_SCALE = 1.00
fx. DIFFICULTY_SCALE = 2.00

this will make the enemies' weapons hit harder and have more hitpoints(i presume)


[PerfVersion
version=5
SkipMachineWarnings=TRUE

[PerfCount
count=36

[PerfOptions
mouse_speed = 0.50
gamma_ramp = 0.30
DitherControl = 1.00
MipFilterControlCallback = 0.00
TurnSensitivity = 0.00
generic_effect_perf = 0.60
Nebula = 0.60
SunEffect = 0.60
Asteroids = 0.60
space_dust_detail = 0.00
star_sphere = 0.60
AtmosphereMaterialConfig = 1.00
HUDAnimConfig = 1.00
level_of_detail = 0.60
use_environment_maps = 1.00
high_detail_textures = 0.60
sound_max_dist_scale = 1.00
sound_level_of_detail = 1.00
USE_3D_SOUNDS = 1.00
audio_music = 1.00
audio_ambient = 1.00
audio_sfx = 1.00
audio_interface = 1.00
audio_voice = 1.00
rtc_performance = 0.60
general_graphics = 0.60
advanced_graphics = 0.00
default_graphics = 0.60
skip_transition_scripts = 1.00
enable_tooltips = 0.00
enable_rollover = 1.00
cockpit = 1.00
USE_DYNAMIC_COMM_HEAD = 1.00
DIFFICULTY_SCALE = 1.00 <------------------------------this one
autohide_maneuver_bar = 0.00
max_submitted_sounds = 0.60

[Display

Hmmm...

skip_transition_scripts = 1.00

Maybe I can stop hitting ESC

-V
The Nets Edge
Freelancer .INI File Parser
Freelancer IDSName Matcher

Obviously with

autohide_maneuver_bar = 1.00

the maneuver bar on the upper edge of the screen/cockpit hides until your mouse cursor comes near.
Helpfull especially in close infights with a lot of enemies.

Hummmm.... twice.....

As For:

skip_transition_scripts = 1.00

and

autohide_maneuver_bar = 1.00

Why dont you just be courious enought to look around IN GAME to turn of those options... Like the name suggest.... in the OPTION panel after hitting F1... look closly in generals settings.... don't see anything? look again... Script editing is cool... but editing a file manually when there is a check box in game for it... it's a bit .... overkill blindness....

Hope no one thinking of adjusting the gamma by modifying it manually in the INI file... it would be... heu.... well forget about it....