The big issue that I have with the game is that there really should be a more improved classification system to allow casual players to have their own non-pro league. I don't aggressively play this game so my skill level never gets beyond a certain point, but there are a select few in the community here that I really don't like to play with. Some I know by heart, the moment they join the game, I quit. Other times, someone will join in who has no respect for the game's sportsmanship, and I'll end up quitting for a month.

I know many don't intend that, but I can't help to dislike them anyways... getting steamrolled is never fun and asking them to bring their skill level down would be just plain silly.

Or maybe some sort of handicap system toggleable by the server, which puts into play an autobalance system which boosts some players, and penalizes others.

PS.
2 hour hyper hour really isn't very long. Consider that it can take an hour for some people to install and run through the tutorial, that doesn't leave much time to really get into the game. Also, you should try to see if steam will be willing to run a "Hyperbol free weekend" deal from time to time.

We've tried a few things to balance the tables a bit, but sadly all efforts to balance players require more players playing the game. We're planning some things to resurge interest in the game and bring more players back.

As for hyperhour, anyone can install and play through the tutorials outside of hyperhour. The only thing hyperhour allows beyond that is the ability to log into Starport and play online.

Please make a mailing list so you can notify us when you do this event :P

Next, can we get flexibility in LAN and online mode to be able to fit the modules we want in non ranked games? I'm stuck with very few choices for my ship setup, and sometimes I would very much like to try other builds.

NOW, THAT is something that is needed here: a mailing list!

I suggest MailChimp... since it's free for the 500 subscribers and up to 3000 email per months. http://www.mailchimp.com/pricing/p1/
Geez, we should have done that YEARS ago!

And why not a twitter account too?...