Space Stations CAN Move!!

[dmm]

OK, I'll tell, but I want a promotion.

As someone has pointed out already, you can put emergency propulsion units on space stations (SSs), which can give 4 moves per turn per unit with EP_IV. (And more w/ higher level EP? Haven't researched past IV.) Except that, as someone else pointed out, the MoveTo and WarpTo buttons are disabled for SSs. My trick is, that the DropCargo button is NOT disabled. So you can use an EP unit, giving your SS 4/0 movement (for level IV), then tell it to drop cargo at one of your other planets. (Cargo ships work too, I think). You don't actually need to have any cargo to drop either. Then repeat the process for all the EP units on the SS. The really hilarious aspect is that you can put several Repair units on your SS and they repair the EP units each turn, so that the SS effectively has super-dooper engines, albeit at the cost of keeping those poor repair crews working round the clock.

My suggestions to MM are:
1) EPs (also boarding parties) should not be repairable. A vessel ought to have to go to a Yard and "upgrade" in order to get them replaced. Or maybe a ship can only use one/turn. Otherwise, even if you fix this SS "bug," a cruiser could also have a ridiculously huge movement each turn.
2) EPs (and/or engines) should be allowed on SSs, but they should be extra-heavy, or extra-expensive, or higher tech level. And even mobile bases should be limited to one movement/turn. One simple way would be to divide the "engine movement" of a SS by 4 or 5 and round down to get its "effective movement." Extra EPs/engines would only give longer range or backup capability. Alternatively, put towing into the game somehow.
3) Something should be done about the vulnerability of fixed targets to a move-fire-move strategy. (While I'm on the subject, firing while "on the move" should be less accurate, just as a general rule.) A fixed firing platform such as a planet or SS could get a range bonus on all weapons. Or perhaps armor/shields could work better, or be available sooner, for fixed platforms.

The way things stand now, it is stupid to make a "Defense Base" and really stupid to make an "Attack Base." (How can you attack when you can't move???) Bases are only good for Yards and Repair, which limits the game to ships.