Those ideas, many others may have had, but here's what I'm thinking about to balance the game... In order to improve the MP (and maybe single player) experience, where earning money is so easy, according to many posts here, it might be cool to raise prices of ships and equipment (*2 or *3) (and maybe bases prices of commodities). In the same time, lowering gun efficiency (damage), or raising pirates numbers around the most efficient trades routes (and maybe making them stronger), can make trading a little more enjoyable. It also could justify to form up squad in order to survive, and can increase the delay after which people are getting incredibly rich, with nothing to do with their money (around 8h-15h, i read). In fact, when i remember of Privateer 2, it took me quite a long time before being abble to buy a "real" ship. In this context, choosing wisely a set of weapon (without neglecting countermesure, etc...) is really important...
I think it's doable, according to the sticky post on FL editing...
btw, doing this requires a good knowledge of FL that so many "bored" people seem to have (forgive me, i only played the demo...)
your feelings ?