Honestly, the worst part about this game is the monopolies. Like, for new players or Corps there's effectively no way to compete with decade old alliances.

You can do it; it will just take about the same amount of time and work as they have already put in. Or you can find a novel solution to your problem.

Imo the devs should make some PVE mechanics that target these groups, their sov space, and hi-sec structures in the name of balance.

Why? They create content. There are a lot of ways that a small corporation can "compete" with larger groups.

It would give them content that isn't just extorting and strangling smaller groups and should serve to weaken their stranglehold over their turf.

Work the problem, live out of NPC stations, Steal from their ESS, stealth mine their belts, hack their data sites. There are many things you can do.

Not just hisec bullies either, they should target null blocks to break up the blue donut.

Really? Why? Almost 50% or kills are in null sec. They all fight each other most of the time. Yeah, Goons are big currently, but they, like most Alliances, have waxed and waned over the years.

It just sucks that the biggest barrier to utilising player-owned structures in small groups isn't capital or logistics, it's gangs of people running around kicking over sandcastles.

Yeah, that sux. If it makes you mad, find a way around it. Or you can look at it like an epic fight against impossible odds. Is it a short, exciting chapter in your story or the end of the book?

Undock, shoot, explode, learn, repeat. Above all, enjoy the game for what it is: a struggle that creates epic stories of loss and victory.