As you said, EVE is a shared universe, with a shared experience and history. In such a universe, the things you do/create can be a meaningful part of that story. Mechanics that allow for a great emergent story are those that make (from the F.A.Q.)
"(...) a virtual world of endless possibilities where [gamers] are free to do anything they like, build anything they imagine, become anyone they want"
and one that is competitive and not too easy, so the mechanics should be adjusted for that.