Zo spaceport leading advanced spaceflight technology hub with max item level 8

[Paranoidmark]

In the description of Zo spaceport in Pact Worlds pg 106, it lists the max item level of a technologically advanced, academic spaceport that is well known as a spaceflight technology bug as being 8th. The only semi-reasonable explanations I can see for it being that low are:
A. It is a chaotic Good settlement, which isn't a valid point as Apostae, a CE settlement, has a 20th max level
B. It has speculation about spying being one of its chief exports limiting it
C. It is limited in accessibility (not likely for a spaceport in the Pact Worlds.)
D. A combination of both B and C
Otherwise, I would expect a Max level of 18th if there isn't something I missed.

[Paranoidmark]

I meant hub where I said bug.

[avr]

Item levels mean better combat gear mainly. Maybe it's a peaceful place without much call for guns? I haven't got the Pact Worlds book (& aren't likely to) so if the description contradicts that never mind.

[Paranoidmark]

I just hope this gets an official response. I thought it'd make an excellent place for a non-absalom station adventure, except that with a Max item level of 8, that won't last long.

[Shaudius]

I mean nothing says you have to stick to the Max Item level in your campaign, or that every place the PCs go has to be a place where they can purchase gear.

[JohnHawkins]

I don't see item level as corresponding to advanced technology. Starfinder has no Tech level system for measuring what technology a colony or world has , it is not really in its Idiom. Item level seems to represent what the demand for high power combat gear in the settlement

[CeeJay]

Item level reflects degree of commercial activity as much as anything. It's perfectly possible for an advanced research hub to have limited choices at the local shops, as research rather than commerce is its main mission. (Think on what has the most diversity of shopping choice in our world: the local university, or the outlet mall?)

[Gilfalas]

CeeJay wrote:

Item level reflects degree of commercial activity as much as anything. It's perfectly possible for an advanced research hub to have limited choices at the local shops, as research rather than commerce is its main mission. (Think on what has the most diversity of shopping choice in our world: the local university, or the outlet mall?)

This right here. Private research firms do not sell their tech at public outlets. So the station could have the most advanced tech research on the Pact but their retail outlets have limited selection since the researchers themselves are not buying advanced arms or armor and most luxury items are available at lower level but advanced price.