[God Emperor]

With respect to those people who do not like satellites launched offensively, I would suggest that a logical fix (eg a counter weapon such as PD) be used rather than just eliminating their use (which simply reduces strategy options).
Consider real life, if something exists and can be used for combat purposes, it will. Dont outlaw it, lets include a logical counter.
In a future space combat encounter, I could imagine someone seeding satellites around an enemy planet if they thought it would work.

Part of the problem stems, I think, from the relative size of the early warships vs transports and colony ships.
I'm considering eliminating colony ships and transports and just allowing Lt Cruisers to be available at game start (which would then be used as colony ships and transports).
There is no logical reason (particulalry in game terms)why a 300kT colony ship/transport exists, but, the equivalent size warship doesnt. If there is a logical reason, it should be expressed in the game, rather than just outlawed - ie colony ships and transports must have a certain % of specific components, why? (Apart from game balance reasons).
With a 300KT warship in existance at game start, use of offensive satellites by transport configured ships becomes a much less viable proposition - particularly if some form of PD is also allowed.
Anyway, those are my most recent thoughts for debate.....