I responded earlier with several suggestions on how to attract and keep new players and keep the small account players active. For some reason, that post is not here. Alas, technology! As with any possible change, these are just suggestion or a starting point.
Suggestion number 1: Reduce the number of attack zones. Attack Zone 1 starts with the player with the highest point total to 500,000,00 total points. Attack Zone 2 starts at 499,999,999 total points to 90,000,000 total points. Corresponding numbers for Attack Zones 3,4,5, and 6. All the way to Attack Zone 7 -49,999 to 0 total points. Players can attack above their zone but not below, unless attacked by a player in an Attack Zone less than them. If so, they can strike back within 14 days. This does not apply to yellow players. Strike back ratio is 1:1.
Suggestion number 2: For events, allow players in Attack Zones 5,6 and 7 to clean the debris fields and limit Attack Zone 1 only recycle 5 planets per every planet they own. Attack Zone 2, 7 planets, AZ 3- 9 planets and AZ 4- 12 planets. In addition, Attack Zone 5,6 and 7, give those players an extra 10% on transmitter spins and increase the number of pirate gold, gifts, etc. they can get- as an example if the limit is 100, they can get 110.
Suggestion 3: For limited time games, limit the number of times one can transfer spice into another game to one (1). Everyone who participates gets to transfer spice on a sliding scale, AZ 7 gets to transfer 50% of their spice, AZ 6 gets to transfer 40%. AZ 5-30%, AZ 3/4- 25% and AZ 6/7 get to transfer 20%.
Suggestion 4: Give new players a tutorial, including the use of the Battle Simulator, and give them several planets to attack and to recycle, to get some needed res so they can grow quickly.