Redundancy is good, but Q Rx + 2 x Solar coll?!

[Rollo]

One thing an AI modder can do is create special designs to use the QR in the late game. These have the QR as a must have ability and are placed higher in the design file.

I agree with Alpha Kodiak that it is a long process and difficult sometimes to find the correct numbers, especially when a new weapon or mount comes along. That's why I am always using different designs for one ship type for the different stages of the game, working with different minimum and maximum sizes and must have abilities. That helps a lot. And, for example, you don't have to worry about changing the early game designs when tweaking the mid game designs and so on. This is also a good way to change weapons of choice and use different tactics.

So to answer the question, these kind of designs can be prevented. It is not a lack of flexibility in the design files.

Rollo