That's kinda' what I was saying as well, Q.
To me, it doesn't seem like a big leap coding-wise to move the intel model to a system like the combat model. Along with Q's description and the combat engine, you'd be able to use System, Planet, and Component modifiers.
You could build some sort of "Intel Headquarters" to increase resistence to intel in system. You could add intel components to ships to increase their CI ability agains Crew Insurrection; think something along the lines of Security Stations.
It may also be possible to deal with intel more specifically. For instance, if I wanted to attempt PPP over an enemy planet, maybe I'd need to have a cloaked sat (or another type of unit or ship component) in the system (to simulate getting behind lines). You'd have to see a ship to use Crew Insurrection on it. Those kinds of 'granular' controls may be possible then.
Probably already been discussed in other threads, but if we were able to vote on a model, that would be my vote....
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