I wanted to bring this to someone’s attention hoping a change could be made around the commendations in safer seas. I’m not interested in argumentative behavior and understand people have different reasons for playing games. First, I totally agree with several restrictions. Athena/reaper factions not being available and those commendations being locked permanently I totally agree with. The level cap I agree with (although personally I would lower it to maybe 30). However I was pretty surprised to see that, because I am above the current level cap of 40, I cannot progress ANY progress towards trading company commendations (with the exception of hunters call). This is a very unreasonable restriction and, for instance, the fact I cannot progress my merchant commendation about selling chickens at an outpost is a bit silly and seems kind of petty.
Let me offer a compromise for you to consider. Players in safer seas can progress rep and commendation progress up to level 30 reputation, and level 1 commendation level. This allows (new) players an opportunity to get their feet wet, understand how trading companies and commendations work, and is 20 levels below pirate legend requiring them to venture into high seas to reach pirate legend. It also is 45 levels under the current cap of 75. High seas would be needed to reach pirate legend, AND max reputation levels. Here is where my compromise starts. Once you reach rank 75 in a trading company level, the commendations unlock for that trading company (gold hoarder, merchant, and souls) in safer seas and you are free to finish commendations you may not have unlocked naturally in high seas. I think this offers the best of both worlds, a lower initial cap to get players into high seas after learning the ropes, and allowing new and returning players a chance to relax in safer seas and tie up lose ends with trading company commendations. Hitting max reputation would show you played extensively in high seas, and no longer need to “prove” yourself to relax in safer seas. Example being I have played this game since launch, am max reputation in every faction, and have upwards of 35 million gold with virtually all commendations naturally unlocked. I choose to stay in safer seas just for the enjoyment of doing voyages without harassment, not caring about gold or reputation. But I think after hitting max level, players should be able to unlock the commendations in safer seas. Hopefully it is a change we could see in the future.
