I completely understand the criticism about PvP whoring. But you can't get rid of it. Too bad. I don't like it either. Deal with it.
On a less harsh note, missions that pay would discourage camping, encourage RP, move conflicting parties around, and maybe they'd fight each other! Look at that!
Mining's key just because it has the potential to be very interesting. Here's why: Ships exist with powerful weaponry and large cargo space. Opposing factions might try to oust each other from mining in a certain field, which would make sense because the enemy essentially uses the resources gained to fight with bigger ships. In essence, factions would be fighting over ore fields. Much more RP and involving than trading could ever be, ever!
It also adds a new dynamic because there'd be an emphasis on smaller ships in these conflicts over ore. Can't really get around asteroids in a battlecruiser.
EDIT: Players as well could have a source of income that is tied to their actual roleplay experience, so there isn't a rift between "pretending to RP in a trader" and "RPing my characters"
