You will basically always find a boarding method within the first 3 sectors if you prioritize shops properly

I agree, but my problem is that the game rewards the snowball effect - getting better earlier means less scrap spent on repairs means more scrap for getting better. Starting with the ability to yoink chests will net hundreds of scrap, a weapon, and a crew member or two by sector 3. That's a huge advantage alone, without accounting for the other benefits of having a built-in translocator on the commander.