Item pieces changes.

Creating a dedicated page for item pieces so they don't use up inventory slots should be the first move.
After that I would like to see weapon pieces split up into categories.
Categories: Cannons, Mortars, Fire, Torpedos, and Misc. (Mine, missile, rail gun, carronade, getting gun)

From here we can go two directions:
1. Keep weapon piece drop rates the same and this would mostly be a visual change to make it more appealing. 1/4 chance to get a guaranteed cannon would give the illusion of a better chance to get something you want, same goes for the other categories. This would also open up the option for scrapping item pieces a little more. If you never use mortars you would now be able to scrap mortar pieces to get those few extra parts you need without worrying about missing out on an item you do want to obtain.
Or
2. Increase the drop rate of weapon pieces ( without changing drop rates of y,g,b pieces ). Doing this will give players more pieces spread out over the different categories and allow them to get the items they want a little quicker.

Now, I know what you're going to say about option 2... "I had to suffer through countless combinations to find the items I wanted to use, how is this fair?"
First off this would effect all players equally so you would also be able to progress your items faster.
"But I already have everything maxed out."
Let's be honest here, I don't think anyone has every epic item maxed out. You may have the items you prefer maxed out but there are likely others you are still building. Leveling these items up faster will open up more possibilities for combinations and strategies this making the game more enjoyable rather than bringing endless battles with the same loadout.

The reason I'm making this thread: I have recently decided to switch ships/playstyles and now require a different arsenal of weapons. I have come to the realization that it is going to take a very long time to bring these items up to a comparative level and in the meantime I will either lose infamy or fail to raise it past it's current highest point. Essentially I want to hold off on battling until I can upgrade these new items enough to use but it is necessary to battle to get the resources I need for said upgrades. If I continue to battle to get these resources I'll either lose progress or keep pushing the required level higher and higher.
Do you see the issue here?

Summery: I feel that after passing a certain point in the game your ship/loadout/playstyle all cement and you are required to use those few options to continue progressing which makes the game rather dull when it could be so much more fulfilling. Variety is the spice of life and bringing variety back to the game at later stages in crucial to maintain a loyal player base who ultimately funds the game we all enjoy so much. How many players lose interest when they find out they are limited in the ways I described above? I'm betting it is a substantial amount.

I know it's a lot to read so thank you for bearing with me Please leave your feedback below or ask any questions you may have.