What are players actually doing when they spend time traveling between systems?
->They are flying outside the 3000 m limit.

How about a device that lowers the jump limit. Perhaps a S-port device that lowers it by 500m, and a L port one that lowers it by 750m. This way pilots intent on fast travel do it at the expense of being well armed. Unlike a ultra fast ship, they are still vulnerable. National borders could be configured with a high enough asteriod density to slow the transit time so turrets could be effective against runners.

A new WH between Deneb and Latos is still really a good solution.

Hey, I actually like that idea mission!
I mean, why does anyone have to wait till 3000m? I feel like it should depend on certain factor, not a flat variable. Add-ons could offer some interesting possibilities...

That could work, but we have to consider traders using them to circumvent pirating all together. Such a system would allow a moth with two of these to jump at 1500m as opposed to 3000m. We could limit such nonsense by making the grid usage 11 on each design, and making the license levels trading 5 for the small port device, and and 7 for the large port device.

This way we give a little advantage to traders, but pirates could carry the same device. And it would reduce travel by up to 25%! The indeed deserves some consideration.

BTW- I am happy to see that this topic struck the interests of the devs enough for them to comment, TY incarnate!