this galaxy has grown
a way to help diversify a little may lie in changing a little of the game mechanics regarding where everything is relative to everything else
for example my ship could be floating in the T.O. sector of the galaxy . Being here puts an increased chance of encountering T.O. ships , and like most i would be hunting Troop Carriers . Being here in the T.O. controlled sector of the galaxy also has an effect on the planets i control in that sector , let's say, +5% to it's def/att/cloak and resources . Also, the chance to find certain planets in that sector increases , or is limited to that sector of space.
If i wanted a planet in the Taltherian sector , which i might have just unlocked by completing the mission chain , then i would have to move to the Taltherian sector of space . Movement between sectors might have to be limited to once every two hours or something.
The placement of the legion bases would become crucial ,too, for many reasons . Let's say my legion's base is in the Vygoid sector of space . Being in the Vygoid sector might have a special effect on the legion's base .... perhaps an increase in the research acquired on the daily shipments .
Other sectors may buff defenses (Aerlen) or give bonus to energy contributions (Inergon) . Anyways , if ALL OF MY LEGION'S MEMBERS are in the Vygoid sector , the base may get a small increase in attack and defense . Perhaps 10% or so .
The various sectors could have events or "weather" .
the ships on your battle tab could be affected by what sector you are currently in
changing the location of the legion base could be done by the leaders, or perhaps a vote between members of the legion, and only once a month
scanning for enemy bases would become relative to what sector your base is
certain sectors of space would be locked until the player finishes the racial mission chains , and all members have to have access to a sector of space to move the legion's base there
modify unstable wormhole emitters so they can be used on yourself too . they warp you to a random sector , or an enemy instead
as a side-effect of the ability to change sectors, maybe the game's "skin" could change , give the screen a feel of the race that occupies that region, and you could turn off the skin in the settings tab
obviously this idea will create controversy , LOL , but i hope you all like it