Makes great sense... lasers seldom need "reloading". I first discovered this change in supply usage not from the Data files, but from trying to pounce on a (mostly) disabled enemy. Having my boarding ship get flung across the map by a hulk with no engines, no supply storage, and no other defense was an, ah, .... unexpected treat.
Why the comparative lack of smaller weapons for the Racial Tech trees? Too difficult miniturize, or unbalancing for units?
Combat Squirrel - Nosey Nate, 1st degree
