[Davemac]

I'd like to see something along the following lines:

-Ability to build all classes of warships (DDs to BBs)whatever the current research status is. I think that as the research improves, the cost/weight of the ships should become less. Speed should also be improved over time.

-In addition to above, I don't think that planet shipyards should be able to build large class ships (CAs up). Perhaps they could be used to support orbital space yards (such as allowing the player to dedicate planetary shipyard building points to supporting orbital facilities - i.e. building modules for the larger classes) Also, size of spaceyard should determine the number of ships it can build at any one time (definitely ought to be more than one).

-Some sort of supply line system where the player has to build merchant ships/freighters to keep colonies supplied until they can stand on their own. Also can be used for economics/industry. Sort of like USN's MS pipelines. This would also allow for piracy, cutting supply lines, wastage, etc.

-Some sort of research for a ship component to allow use of the warp points. Initially this would be an expensive energy hog but come down in size/cost over time.

-OutPosts/military fortresses to be built on planets/in deep space that can act as resupply depots/early warning systems. Also establishes your claim on the area.

-Detection ability is too good. Should depend on current state of sensor abilty and proximity of sensors. This allows ships to sneak into unguarded systems.

-A better battle system for space combat. Particularly the ability to escape if you have the distance/speed on the opponent. Factor supply into it as well (low supply, low chance of avoiding combat). Nothing worse than getting stuck in the corner on the space combat screen.

-Ability to put some sort of points into economics/research/intel etc. With costs for not doing well in them (restive populations, revolutions, research dead ends, intel disasters).

-A method for capturing ships that run out of supply and a chance of discovering tech from them. Also, some sort of commander override (ship's commander decides he/she ain't going to sacrifice his crew for your greater glory) that prevents the player from sending ships on suicide missions without paying for it either in lower morale of fleet or politically (newspapers calling you incompetent/massive discontent in your political system).

-Weaker mines (they're way too powerful).

-Better planetary defenses.

-Troops would exist from start. Only research would be improvement in weapons and capability to combat assault planets.

-Ability for planets to surrender rather than face extermination. This would include the ability to land troops without combat assault.