Remember that Freelancer is not an MMORPG, where you can interact with other players of similar level if you are in specific zones. In FL everyone wishes to get to top as fast as possible. There's not much to do in multiplayer for mid-range ships, cause they are no match for higher level players.
I've done many things to increase time required to reach top levels - all ship prices were increased, especially freighter prices. However, problem is that many people still suppose that they are obliged to help newbies, and many newbies expect help for the start. If you get 10 million in the beginning, you surely won't buy a Hawk for yourself.
