@navarita
I really don't understand the logic of having a completely separate game mode that might attract people to the game = bad. Is this because of all the trolls being like "if you add PVE I'll leave the game".
This potentially requires a different game to be built. I like what I bought and bought it because of that reason. PvE only really requires a different structure unless your ok with random missions to get random loot got get nonessential unlockables exclusively in a PvE game. PvP is such a core part of the experience you can't simply add a "PvE" mode.
First of all, if someone is going to spend money on the game they want to actually show off their pirate, something that you can't do when the only time you see other people is to kill or get killed. And what about all the PvPrs that play the game just to kill other people, of the kind that let chests sink because they aren't there for the gold or reputation, the same ones that are always wearing the basic clothes, are they going to spend money on the game?
As someone that kills on site. Yes, I am going to buy a monkey the first chance I get. I love this game. I also made my pirate look like Inigo Montoya and wear a dress. To think pvp players don't like to murder in style is silly. This isn't PubG... you get to see your murderer most of the time so looks still matter.
Not to mention even though we have a kill on site mentality... I don't even consider myself a "pvp" player. We've worked with other crews (to kill other crews), met some interesting people that we didn't kill, voyage when no one is looking.