Darkmatter
Rear Admiral
The Tractor Beam in the original game didn't come out as a beam from the front of the ship. It was like a self targetting turret that would lock onto the cargo once you got to within range and drag it into your hold. This was easier since you didn't have to line your ship up perfectly to the cargo. Also, currently you have to get REALLY close to tractor it in. The tractor beam should work from a bit greater range I think.
Also, I've found that often when you destroy a ship or come across cargo its flying at a rather hefty speed. Sometimes it heads off into deep space faster then the ship that carried it. While this may be possible in real life because of internal explosions as the ship blows up, but it makes it impossible to pick up the cargo in a timely manner which makes it not worth the effort. Might I suggest that the cargo is coded to stay more or less stationary? It can float way at a few kph so its not just sitting there, but having it fly off just makes catching cargo a pain in the ass.
Also, I've found that often when you destroy a ship or come across cargo its flying at a rather hefty speed. Sometimes it heads off into deep space faster then the ship that carried it. While this may be possible in real life because of internal explosions as the ship blows up, but it makes it impossible to pick up the cargo in a timely manner which makes it not worth the effort. Might I suggest that the cargo is coded to stay more or less stationary? It can float way at a few kph so its not just sitting there, but having it fly off just makes catching cargo a pain in the ass.