Would it be interesting to have a sci-fi MMORPG where you play as crew of a spaceship?
I'm thinking something along the lines of a Battlestar or Enterprise, and less like a space version of Guns of Icarus.
The big selling point would be the need to pass tests if you want to take part in the more interesting missions aboard. Similar to the story mode of Gran Turismo in which you had to pass tests with a certain grade to earn the right to participate in races, so too will you need to try a flight simulator to be a fighter pilot, or earn a certain score in a mini-game to have a mechanics license to repair or modify certain parts of the ship.
Those in leadership roles might need to assign manpower and resources to accomplish their goals, so there might be a limited number of fighter pilot positions available, and only the best scorers might be chosen to fly out to fight threats.
