There is a massivly multiplayer game very similar to Elite. It's called EvE Online, and it is my favorite game at the moment.

I played Elite when I was a lot younger than I am now, back in the 80's some time... I loved it, and always wondered what it would be like if the game universe was populated by real people. I found out, and it is awesome.

Back on topic, I agree that achievements should not be given just for playing through a game. They should be something you actually have to put a bit of extra effort in to achieve.