So I played the alpha and beta versions of this, then was away for 5 or 6 years. I just started playing again, with my old account and characters,yet. (but unfortunately, not their old ships, weapons or money.) I have spiffy special "Alpha" and "Beta" campaign ribbons on my achievements page. Aside from that, are their any pros/cons to starting over completely? my old account had the free 8 hours (ah, for the good old days when it was free, thanks, devs.) but I already burned them. I could start a new account, and get another 8 hours, but aside from 8 free hours, I cant see any reason to. any ideas?

If you like the badges, you should keep the old account - you won't be able to earn them again. If you don't want to be identified by them, then make a new account. Unless you feel the need to do the tutorials again, I suggest that you subscribe using the original account. Maybe the devs will be able to bestow something upon the testers some day.

Welcome back!