I would have thought 300k was reasonable, as well. I think they are still actually making a profit at that rate, with how much money this mission makes.

I think once people realize that, they will be able to get over their gut reaction of "WHAT??! Fuck that guy, I'd rather DIE!!!"

Also, permadeath will greatly influence people's decision making, in the future. Heck, at that point, you can start ransoming players WITHOUT actually needing any cargo at all.

Add to that the eventual removal of all armistice zones, and... well, you'll have to shoot someone and incapacitate them, before beginning hostage negotiations...

... this game needs stun guns. Something to disable without risking the death of your target.