The X games have always been heavy on the economy sim… But the scope of the games were insane… I felt X4 was pretty gimped in that respect, that I couldn’t take over the economy, build massive fleets, and take out entire sectors with my massive wave of ships.
I haven’t checked out X4 since launch though, things may have improved.
I try hard not to do things that are too cheaty too. Ruins the fun for me as well, however - convenience type things like increasing the money a shop has so I don’t have to wait a billion times to sell stuff? Bet your ass.