The biggest issue the game has at this point, is resource saturation. There really isn't a glaring reason to PvP at this point, other than for fun. I commend Golgotha and Aragon for playing the evil/bandit role, tho. It will be much appreciated by others as the game develops.
There aren't enough big shiny's for people to hold as status symbols which can also be destroyed or lost for people to attack and defend. I don't have to worry about losing my t2 equipped items when I'm out adventuring. Worst case scenario, I lose a few minutes of my time because my harvested items are lost.
ALL items should be dropped and destroyable. Durability should be something that is lost through use and need repairs. PvE types should have to make a real risk assessment on what they are going to bring for harvesting or adventuring. And this is coming from someone who isn't looking to do PvP anytime soon.
This isn't EVE, however, the old adage of "Only fly what you can afford to lose" should apply in this game as well. "Only equip and carry what you can afford to lose" should be the very first thing all /vets/ should be preaching to new players. Right now, it's more like, "Only carry what you are willing to lose and gather again or have your settlement craft."
I'm a firm believer that it will continue to get better over time and that one day I may have to really defend myself and my mates from attackers and loss. I'll stick with it until I can't still believe in the vision of the developers.