Mini-update:
Reckoning is up and running on my laptop, which is unfortunately a lot slower than my usual desktop, so things may proceed slower than otherwise. On the plus side, I have reworked the commodities; you can actually make money on cargo runs now (I made a clean 30,000 during a couple jaunts from Hector/Achilles to Helen). The Tarsus ... is still a piece of junk, but it has 50% more hit points, so with an afterburner you'll have at least a fighting chance in it. The Ferret is larger and more expensive, and I'm moving it to InSys precinct stations (previously Militia bases) scattered throughout Gemini; same goes for Rapier. I'm also looking into toning down the number of encounters.
Duriel also noticed a problem with the Junction system, so the next release may actually enable inter-quadrant play.
Other plans:
Replace the current merc/militia bases with the WCII Starbase model
Replace the plethora of Ranger carriers with another ship (Exeter? Waterloo?)
Replace standard Freelancer Transport Train with heavy transport (courtesy of Marc)
Get an actual Raptor model for the Raptor
I still haven't found anyone to get a permanent fix on the junction systems; enthusiasm for Freelancer seems to have totally drained out. I'll keep posted, as always