In my opinion, the RPG portion of the game should focus, not so much on the levels a person has, but rather on the person's faction standings. To the effect that less levels get you more stuffs, just in different places. It would also make sense for certain station to only sell you their high-profile stuff if you are well aligned with that faction.
So, as an example with the current universe setup, at combat level two you might be able to buy, maybe flares, but only in s15, and only if they REALLY love you. S18, however, is willing to sell them to you when they admire you, but only once you reach combat level three or some-such.

/me likes

Good. I like.

/me shakes hands with genka

Brilliant! It'd make things a tad bit more complicated, might need an online guide, but brilliant!

Prohaps certain weapons should be limited to cetain sectors and only if they really like you there, you can buy them

Yes.

Hurrah Incarnate likes the idea! (I think that means it might be implemented...Soon(TM) )

Which 1 was he saying yes to? my sector specific weapons or the origional topic?