I agree that FCs feel pretty useless besides just being social groups. Linkshells and Fellowships now do that just fine.

I agree I feel that the workshops and ships should be what is changed to fix this. FC specific exploration content like treasure maps is along the lines of what I've been wanting as well.

I won't comment on implementation as I'm not a game dev. But something an FC can recruit around is the main thing I'd want out of it.

The system should be something for which I as an FC leader would be driven to recruit members. Basically, as players create statics for raids, an FC would have a Exploration Team. A team of crafters for the workshop, gathers for the materials on location, and a raid party to clear the mechanics and mobs barring the way to the good parts.

Whatever you can do to foster this kind of meaningful FC interaction is what I'd be requesting.