A new mode called “Flashback” or something similar should be added that allows newer players to play the game throughout its history. Like being able to play old gamemodes with old ships and old equipment and being able to experience the games story like vets did.
One prime example would be the “Invasion” in open space when it first launched. Alien portals spawning randomly and dropping aliens in to allied sectors. Pirate cruisers around stations. Gates to distant alien worlds. All that jazz.
It would just be nice for new players to be able to get more than the tail end of the story of the game.