After reading this ENTIRE thread today, here's my two cents:
Another vote for STORM DAMAGE, as well as dolphins, flying fish, and whales. Also currents and drift/anchoring. Tossing guns at sea for speed. Manual sails and target barrels in the OW for practice. Wind shadows. Bigger bow waves through swells. Musket fire at close range outside boarding. A barometer on the OW and lightning. And, by God sir, let there be PVP on the PVE server against Smugglers! With suitable warning before this change goes into effect.
A regional reputation system, motivating dispersal, could also be a great feature.
It should really be "Fore", "Aft", "Port", and "Starboard". And have beat to quarters.
Custom ship names, but only selected from a long list of historical names. Do not want to see "StrikrXX69" written on any stern. Maybe option to remove the name from above ships, at least temporarily.
Teleport to a chosen home (with long cool down for choosing) instead of to capital.
Depower independent of raising / lowering sail.
Mostly all other's ideas, just voicing support.