Considering that NA has three servers at the time, separating pve-server from pvp-servers, it seems that something has gone wrong in the last patch. On pvp server pratically does not exist pvp, why?
everything moves with combat marks, which are easily done with pve
drop bonus from bots
unlock slots for our ships
doing a lot of money with pve
not doing money with pvp, rather losing money
less traders
pve move out people from OW
There are other causes, secondary and perhaps less obvious regarding the current ROE and exiti in OW, which prompted the players to move in large clans and to make revenge Fleets. The system is totally broken.
To today, I don't think there are many reasons to play NA in this state, if not to waste time.
I think it requires a new patch to fix this situation as soon as possible.
You could just pick up some aspects of the pre-wipe (no marks, craftable upgrades, more trading, etc) My idea is even more radical, take away all AIs and missions, so to force players to fight themselves (the original intent of this game). Obviously the attrition system for the Port Battles should be totally rethought.
Let's face it, NA's beautiful is the combat...