I like the scaled payout idea. This is already incorporated with NPC bounty kills and it challenges for being the underdog instead of point, aim, shoot in a dread. Peak hours is another good idea but how would it be scaled? Is it based on current players online or set to the server time only?
The one thing I will comment, and I put this here since you are one of the few devs that actually listens to us or proactively reaches out to players for ideas, is for smuggling or drop-off events to have multiple points to drop off on. To piggy back your ideas, different locations can mean differing bonuses. For example, the last event I participated in (minimally) was the Pennsylvania event with the Zoners and delivering H-Fuel. Skorak and team put together an event that made lore sense rich with a backstory that influenced even me, who actively avoids server events, because of players who, like in this event, inevitably ruin the fun for everybody because they cannot stand to lose. Spreading out the event will force groups to incorporate tactics and strategy instead of relying on raw strength to win.
I like the idea of having bonuses for 'side quest' type of actions, such as snubs conducting recon or surveying in a forward position. I will have to brainstorm how to bundle that bonus for the snubbers.
It ain't about what you are capable of, it's about what you're willing to do.
