Is Resupply Tech worth it???

[rdouglass]

I was answering a post on another SE4 forum and thought about this. This was my reply to a post but the question stands on its own:

From my experience, Quantum Reactors are far too expensive (in terms of research points and maintenance) to justify using them. Instead, I research Stellar Harnessing and Storage. Put 2 Solar Collector III's and 2 Supply Storage III's on any ship and they'll only get low on supplies in star-less systems. As another benefit, the next 3 levels in Stellar Harnessing give you movement bonus (Solar Sails I, II, and III).

Sure, you're using 60Kt more space, but for the time that it will take you to research Quantum Reactors, I will research 2 ship sizes, 3 movement bonus points (Solar Sails), and at least 2 more weapons levels that (IMO) far outweigh QR's. With the same research points I can travel forever, have a bigger ship, be faster, and have more powerful weapons.

Others may argue that the extra space for weapons outweigh the previous benefits. They'll say you can put 1 QR and supply the whole fleet so you'll have 80 KT per ship. I disagree with this action especially with big battles. It seems that the ships only exchange supplies during their movement turn. So, if you have a big battle that Lasts 2 or three of the AI turns, your ships with only 2500 standard supply points will run out soon and not be resupplied in between the AI "waves". My ships, on the other hand, will start out with 4500 supply points and will be more suited to inflict more damage or run away longer -take your pick.

IMO there is no question - the resupply tech is almost useless in SE4. In SE3 'cause there was nothing like the solar collector, resupply was a vital tech - you needed it for long range anything. Now it seems to be just the opposite. Are there any good reasons for researching resupply??????

Now that oughta' start a little discussion.......

[This message has been edited by rdouglass (edited 11 December 2000).]