once higher technology is got , combat can be a little one dimensional.

I would propose two changes.

1) Experience for crews on a ship to encourage upgrading rather than scrapping. 

2) A randomisation of the effects such as targetting and damage dependent on the environment such as in a nebula or an asteroid field.

The experience would have greater effects in the unusual environment and counter some of the negative effects.

In an asteroid field perhaps an experienced captian would shoot an asteroid near to the ship to cause a possibe greater hit on the ship

does that make sense?