The external view(behindview) is actually quite good, except that it too close to the ship.

I like the way that you can really see, how big and bulky or how small and agile, your ship is.. also the flames/smoke from damage is quite cool.

It shouldn't be very hard to adjust the angle and distance the camera is to the ship, OR allow us to do it ourselves.

also, the camera should be a little elastic when throttleing, it gives you a sense of speed.

EDIT:
Hmm, noticed that where you actually shoot, is not where the reticle is pointing. annoying, but this must be becouse the camera is following the middle of the ship.

I don't know if it should follow the reticle or what.

The camera is also resetting to cockpitview at every jump.

Ya this is something thats been suggested quite a bit. The external view is nice for admiring yourself and taking screenies, but not terribly good for piloting or combat purposes. The devs know it's wanted, and will probably take care of it at some point when they're messing with it. It's not really a big priority.

I would actually like to see the sparks, gases, and flames spray off of the ships a bit further than they do (maybe 1.5-2x more?). a simple tweak that I think could emphasize heavy damage a bit better.

If debris had a bit of ambient glow, as if still hot or burning from the initial exlosion, so you can see the chunks in space a bit better, that would help emphasize more of a level of destruction when a spacecraft blows. I'm just imagining watching a CTC battle from long range and being able to watch ships explode like fireworks in the distance.

Hmm i actually forgot to see if it had been suggested before.

oh well, i just think its one of those minor things, that could easily be added, and would make the game look that much cooler.. from outsiders also...