Permits are too rare. There should be a way to buy permits again, at a reasonable rate, of course. I used to be able to acquire ships of any sort with a little work, but now it seems impossible to get what I want, which is USS Constitution, which is why I bought the game in the first place. I'm sure everyone else has their favorite that seems irreplaceable, and are scared to risk it in a fair fight. Please have mercy!
Maybe a captured ship could be traded to the Admiralty, at standard prize shares, and could build up credit towards the purchase of said permits. If I remember correctly, the Captain got an eighth share of the value, the crown (Admiralty) got so much share, even the lowly powder monkeys would receive a pittance! We beseech you kind Sirs!