Engineering won't change your ability to solo bug ships _for PvE_

I think a ton of the angst we've had lately about engineering is based in the idea that it'll prevent solo pilots from using larger ships.

Obviously this was never true for industrial roles (engineering only matters when damage is incoming). But I've just realized something for pve: NPC ships don't have engineers either.

Until NPC crew is actually in game, pve target ships are floating around out there without anyone putting out fires or repairign components. That means if you're flying a Connie or a Corsair or whatever in pve, you're not at a disadvantage against them by being a solo pilot, and if you do bring a friend that's only a benefit, not a requirement.

On the flip side, this is an awesome balance change (or at least opportunity) for the age old issue that two players in their own Connie's is better than one Connie with a pilot and a gunner. Because now, one Connie with a gunner/engineering might well outlive two solo'd Connie's in a PVP encounter