So first things first:
I have nothing against the PvPvE basis of this game. In fact. It's a thrill as others describe it. That is IF you have the time. During the week some people are crunched on time so I can see the reasoning for a 'passive'/PvE mode as constantly being sunk or chased would literally ruin their time and experience with a game they paid 60$ for like each and everyone else (or the occasional game pass subscriber.)
Now. The argument "This is sea of THIEVES" may be a valid one. But to recite from my own experience thus far. Compared to the Alpha and Beta ? It devolved into KoS 99.5% of the time. No questions asked. To some those encounters may be rare. To others they're their daily life in SoT. Why do I pick out this specific argument ? Cause it would indeed be sea of THIEVES if not ALL except for ONE of my PvP encounters would've ended in my loot actually being TAKEN and not with the Galleon or Sloop that sunk me happily sailing on towards the next. How do I know they didn't take my loot. Cause I got curious myself and until the recent patched spawn system always returned to the site of my sinking only to find all of my lood perfectly floating about.
Currently the only ones with a risk are the people being targeted by the PvP crowd. And to each their own. If thats the style you wanna play that's entirely up to you. I myself occasionally enjoy the thrill of the hunt with my friends or a good sea battle when we get engaged. However as a lot of others suggested bounties may be one thing to help balance out the risk. This may seem one sided to the PvP crowd again but survive the bounty for 30-45 minutes and the gold is yours. Which would actually give SOMETHING to those who do not care about loot as well.
Now take a newcomer for example. Lets say a kid that got the game for his birthday. He sets out alone (maybe with a friend) and the first thing he comes across after leaving port for the first time ? The hardcore PvP demographic. As much as people claim passive or PvE will "divide" the community, so will it drive away new players that play for the first time only to have their first session end in being sunk over and over again by WAY more experienced crew at every turn.
The fix for this ? Proper matchmaking based on hours played (which the Xbox and the Xbox app track so it shouldn't be all TOO hard). OR. The proposed passive mode. Lets say its an option until you reach rank 15 (maybe 20) in one of the companies and after that. You are in danger. No ifs or buts. By that time you should've grasped how to handle your ship and how to work the cannons so when push comes to shove you have a modicum of an idea how to act rather than scuttle about like a beheadded chicken.
Safe spaces ? A pirate city like often mentioned tortuga. Any day. Meet up with crews, exchange tales, play music and get drunk of your behinds. Turning in loot however ? Bounties (if they get implimented) sure. Hoarders and the rest ? No way josé. That'd make it too easy.
Passive mode ? I wouldn't be against it but it should come at a penalty. You get the cold (maybe at a reduced rate) but NO reputation. NONE. Even if Pirate Legend is only cosmetic and basically nothing changes. That title should still mean something. You survived the harsh reality of our cruel mistress: the open sea. You managed to survive and endure long enough to be granted that title. And not by shipping about no risk waters.
Those are my 20 bucks (based on the wall of text. I apologize) but that has been my stance since the beta. While more friendly encounters at sea or land would be enjoyable, you can't expect everyone to play the same way. This goes for both sides. Not everyone is out to PvP and will run if there is loot involved. They need to either out maneuver you or come up with a strategy to unload. Those who got nothing to lose will simply scuttle. PvE players: You can't expect (with the current servers) to go scott free in every session you play either. I had sessions where I was alone and had a blast doing voyages. I had sessions where I was just PELTED at every turn. I know its frustrating but until proper matchmaking in any shape or form is introduced. You, just like me will have to endure it or sit it out.
Tl:Dr: I'm not opposed to it but also not for it. Passive can very well be an option but only until a certain reputation rank (not bought promotions. NUMERICAL VALUES) and at reduced gold cost.
With that said. I look forward to encounter some of you on the high seas be it as friend or foe.
-Captain "Staple Lips" Tekuian.