Unpopular opinion #1:
It seems the game is focusing more and more on the pew-pew and not so much on the story. So... Solo players should have extra help against bullies: I imagine something like a pray that summons a Kraken and/or lightnings behind the sloop. If another player joins during the fight, the effect is gone.
Now... haters to me! C'mon! One by one! =D