Scenarios

[Antagonist (OP)]

I would like for possible non-standard, possibly even single-system starts.

These can be goverened by special rules like faster or higher starting tech, but mostly, I'd like some sort of arena scenario.

Using SM I can spawn all the tech I need, but spawning enemies to test my ships on is harder.  This I suppose can be fixed by a SM 'Spawn *spoiler*' or 'Spawn NPR with combat vessels', but the reliability and repeatability of scenarios appeal more to me.  Additionally if these scenarios can be created and transfered between players without having to copy and backup the whole database, I can imagine it being popular for challenge or roleplay scenarios.

[UnLimiTeD]

You can create addtional Player races/Empires with SM, to play against yourself in one system.
It's what I use to test new ship designs, and a good way to stumble across flaws in the system, like negative accuracy.^^