How do you manage to select components that were developed three levels ago and place them on a new design? Or do you mean the components themselves are linear in progression. So retro-construction for you would be deducting (for example) 300% from a component that has advanced 100% over each of the last three levels. Poof instant -3 levels. That still isn't really retro, even if that is very close. Also with the SFTC you can apply mounts to retro-built ships. So if you want an old style missile launcher that has the latest missile (mount) you can do that. You could also build the most advanced missile launcher with an old missile (mount) or any number of combinations. I would term what you are doing with the mounts as something else. Definitely not retro-construction; more like reversed engineering.
Edited: Also keep in mind by retro-construction I am not saying "use an old saved design". I mean something from scratch. The P-D Empire wants a Light Cruiser built with the best I have and built to their specifications and layout. Fine tell me what you want and I will make it fresh just for you, not happy want something adjusted? Hay no problem. Saving designs of old tech is still close but just not there yet.
