A start for alternate softwares, though other resources available this is just a first to come to mind: https://www.alternative.to/

Evan and Katelyn on youtube made one of these, if anyone wants to see one made for whatever weird-ass reason.

Aaaaaand even after having played through a few tunes before randomly deciding it’s time to warn you about a loud limit, while limiting the volume.

It’s not pay to win. You’re right. Spending big bucks on a big ship will still get oneself killed by a small ship earned in-game. People who call SC pay-to-win listened a bit to much to Derek Smart while sipping their Monster, snacking on Doritos, wonding how many days they have to wait for the next Call of Battlefield. Those people genuinely do not understand what kind of game it is, why money can be spent, and that not a single penny beyond a starter package even needs to be spent. Nearly everything bought with real money can also be bought in-game. The monies goes to support the project, its clear when you buy anything, and you get like a month to return no questions asked if you want to. Or return at ANYTIME for instore credits and swap to some other ship without spending anything new. The misrepresentation still blows my.mind to this day.

Reticulating Splines