Crew skills are critical. having one or five point in given skill, especially if it is shields or turrets makes the world of difference.

Game should have:
- unlockable perks that give +1 skill points to all crew on game start
- neuralink package/artifact that can be used on a crew to give them +1 skill point (have it placed in a slot and have a crewmember go there to obtain point). Ultra rare progenitor artifacts could give +2 when used.
- events, during exploration, station visits and what not