I really would like to see persistent pvp sectors.
looking like the sectors we have now only that each system would have a persistent pvp zone, both space and ground combat obviously.
and before i start, this would HAVE to be fought in one instance only as winning in one instance while losing in another would defeat the purpose.
the main goal would be to try and secure the entire sector for your faction.
the idea being that both factions start off with equal number of systems with one neutral to get the fight going. this would only really happen once btw, as once the war gets going theres no stopping it

so far so good.
what i'm thinking is something like a "scenario" type play, as in you need to conquer one world before you can move on to the next with certain objectives needing to be cleared to ensure victory. be that blow up the enemy's flagship or to penetrate a enemy's ground fort and seizing control.
for a bit of variety for those that like to play space battles more then ground combat, there would be objectives for both. example, while the ground forces battle it out the forces still in space would need to protect troop transports or supply transports to make sure the ground forces have enough supplies to keep fighting while doing their best to kill the enemy's transports to make them have less of whatever they need to keep fighting.
or to defend any eventual planetary bombardment ship(s).
troop transports could either (or both) help the respective faction with NPC troops, or to refill with respawn points faster, it takes power to use that respawn machine after all, and while there might be power enough to recharge itself slowly over time theres just not enough to handle a full scale war, so if to many troop transports gets killed there just wont be enough power available to keep the players respawning.
supply transports could come with medical supplies, short duration food buffs (that would need to be removed from inventory upon battle ending to prevent hoarding) and supplies needed for the base defense systems, same thing for the attackers, just that the weapons they get isn't for any defenses.
each of these supplies would preferably "drop" on random locations due to the enemy jamming so pinpoint accuracy isn't guaranteed (but can happen if certain objectives is met, like disable the enemy jammers which would probably be hard as its well guarded), so each supply drop would need to be secured and brought to the respective sides base or assault camp, so they can be stolen by the enemy for added tactical stuff...
should probably add that as theres only 1 version of this there should be no rank requirement, but instead use some form of "equalizer" for the lower level players, which would mean they get "bumped" to level 40 or so for damage and HP/shield modification but can still only use their original rank ships.
well, this is as far as i've come. feel free to add your own thoughts to this.