how about a mission chain that reveals a planet where we can go and hang out with other players...a bit like this forum, but in real time.
you could sell that rare artifact by private contract, offer your services as a merc, or just chat and shoot the breeze with like-minded folk.
keep it above level 50?...so we only get players that take the game seriously?
someone has probably suggested this before, so sorry if i've rehashed an old thread