Looking through the boards, I've seen several suggestions along the lines of easter eggs appearing every now and then.. In a space community built up on trade there's bound to be things floating around.. I'd like to second the motion. Unannounced events, anomalies, and floating stuff (utilities, weapons, profitable goods/ore, etc.) would be very fun. Imagine being the only person in this region of space to be carrying a particular weapon (properly balanced of course). If you do not intend on letting less skilled players get their hands on a weapon suitable for level 10 combat, then it just won't be able to be picked up, and they'll hope it goes unnoticed till they can pick it up..

hmm. or
(1) they can pick it up, but not equip it. they can just leave it in the station till when they have the levels to use it.
(2) why not let them use it? after all, it's just one weapon, and after one death they will lose it. encourages people to explore.

That's a better idea.. But they still shouldn't be able to equip it.. If you haven't got the experience, you may not have a ship capable of installing whatever you find.. But storing it in a station would work..

This is an interesting idea. And I agree with "harvestmouse's" second point. If you find it, you can use it, regardless of your experience level. Makes sense. If you want to introduce "surprises" or "easter eggs" that can't be used, where is the incentive to get out there and explore? AND perhaps have a momentary advantage
over others? Sounds like it would be relatively easy to implement, too.