Just downloaded the new patch. Went into AC to test a few things and notice something. The rental cost for Arrow, Connie Andromeda and M50 is not at 0 REC. They are now in the same cost category as all other ships within their realm. I hope this is not intentional, as it gatekeeps AC for new players. Starting REC is 30ishk, an Arrow rental costs 29.7k. You can literally not equip an arrow with your starting REC. Not a single new player will ever try AC and use it as a learning and practice tool if they can't even rent a complete ship to be competitive with if they want to pursue duelling. Why are we still paying for rentals in AC anyway? Why are ships not free so people can try them out as they wish? This might even lead to more ship sales as people will learn to like ships through AC and will want to add them to their hangar in the PU permanently. Free rentals always allowed you to come back if you were low on REC, now that is gone. Once you are out of REC you will have to play FPS with light armour and stock guns to make REC back. Sounds super fun. This will definitely keep people engaged with AC. Please return the free rentals to AC. They are necessary to have people even consider using AC. Maybe even consider just making all ships free to rent and abolishing REC altogether.