Hey, in CT and MT you could have exploration of new worlds, interaction with
unmentioned aliens, and shugging along hoping your ship doesn't fall apart.
The Imperium is so vast that there are bound to be undiscovered world; Minor
Races cover the Star Trek "Look-like-human-with-weird-skin/eyes'antennae/has-a-
collander-on-his-head" aliens. And Free Traders are ALWAYS hoping the engine
works.
In short, don't disparage one for the other. It IS the same game, at different
points of evolution. All forms are open enough for a variety of adventures.
J Roberson