We could make different unlock classes.
Things which are locked, because they are expensive can be build while you are able to build them in less then a given time.
* check out the income *( 0.5 < income/expense < 1 )
Things which are locked because they are hard to use can be build, if your elo excess a given number.
Also I would give each new account:
* 1 E-Cell
* 1 Nano-Lathe
* 1 Booster of each of the 4 types ( 10%-Modules )
* 1 Light Armour
* 1 Com-Laser
for free, so that newbes don't complain so much about the unlocks.
Also their com morphs are often a real waste beacause of no modules at all.