Thanks for the recommendation, Darin.
I'm still continuing with my current game, I wanted to get auto-exploration working today with my Discoverer but got sidetracked wandering around Argon space in my Mercury instead. The scripts are definitely working quite well, though there is a lingering bug in the map script I hope to solve sometime soon.
This time around I'm definitely becoming more aware of the way the supply chain aspect of the game works, which is the whole point, I suppose. I made the mistake of buying a cargo hold full of ore at bargain rates only to find that everybody was already glutted with it. Eventually managed to sell for a high price but it took longer than I anticipated.
I hope to be able to claim some abandoned ships soon, but I'm in no hurry, as mapping the universe is quite fun for the moment.
As a note, I installed the Terran Conflict Plots Mod, which enables the storyline from X3TC along with the expanded gameplay in AP. It's nice to have a reasonably peaceful universe to wander around in for now.
I'll keep everyone posted as I explore new areas of the game, or if I make any scripting changes.