Question to all Hardcore Elite Fans

I LOVE this game. This is now my third time trying to dive into it, even got a joystick with the throttle and dog fights are insane.
I love the realism (wish I could buy a vr)
I love the graphics (great in 2015, still good on my rtx 3080ti)

But im worried, like in years b4, ill get bored. Every time ive tried getting into this game around the 1st or 2nd month it becomes pointless and stale. I hate sandbox games.

What do yall do to keep this game rewarding?

I love exploring, but that definitely gets old if I don’t have a purpose.
I love the trading but again, no end goal/purpose, I get bored.
I love the whole factions/solar powers thing where you can (barely) effect them with mission running and/or pew pew! Dog fights are fun af with the joystick and throttle; But … likely u barely can effect them… so almost an illusion
Horizons landing is annoying af, and haven’t figured out how to make any of that dlc shit fun