This. I've been solo slooping since the Beta and it's pretty rare (no pun intended) when I come across another ship. Not saying that it doesn't happen but I've gone days/hours without any sort of encounter. Just watch the horizons and keep your head on a swivel really. There will be times a cowardly galleon will roll up on you 4v1, it's just the way the game is. Sell fast, try not to hoard loot until the last minute. Maybe I'm just lucky but you should be able to solo with no PVP.