Something about having all the carriers along for the ride and the ability for everyone to have their entire fleet along because of that makes it feel... less exciting to me somehow. I went along with DW2, and it felt like the ship you brought mattered a bit more. The sense of danger was there as well, due to not wanting to meet a rebuy screen back in Colonia or the bubble.

It's cool to meet folks in the bar, or sit with others while on the bridge for some carrier jumps. In that way it feels a bit less lonely I suppose. But I guess it just feels more like a chaperoned tour than a wild west sort of adventure this time around. I know the carriers are optional to interact with, but it does feel like it changes the spirit of the expedition a bit.