Duvelske:
Smugglers make cash with no matter what vessel, as long it fits their needs.
Pirates use vessels which fit their needs to rob other vessels or (sometimes) make cash the legal way.
Cops do it the same way.
Mercenaries pick vessels which fit their needs depending on their contract and/or style.
A mining ship has its advantages and also its disadvantages.
It has a big hull and shield, yes. And it has a bigger cargo hold than usual fighters.
But on the contrary it has NO weapons to mount (other than this build in turrets)
It has no thruster to, no minedropper, and no other equipment you can possibly mount on it.
Do you want to put restrictions on ships now. Saying what sort of ship is allowed to use for certain factions (rp)?
If so, then you should also demand that NO other faction but traders are allowed to have trains and/or any other trading vessels (such as APC, bullpop, armored transport ect)
Because cops, pirates and mercenaries are no traders.
And if you can not take out a smuggling pilot who flying a mining ship, then you seriously need some practice
Just think about it.