Great mod idea.

I never said anything about changing fleet supply points, so it doesn't just change the dynamic from more planets more ships to more research more ships. Maybe “for example” the 1st Frigate stage gives 20 ships and 1st Cruiser gives 10, but you still have to hold the planets to get the fleet supply.

The “correct current dynamic” is more planets more ships + more research more variety. This would be more planets more ships + more research more ships + more variety from the beginning.

All this does is consolidating the need to research each individual ship of a class into one line. In a way it is trading a little bit of the freedom to build how much you want for the freedom to build what you want. That is the key point I’m making with this idea and not taking fleet size away from the planets and giving it to research alone.


Beside the point, because your disagreement isn’t really related to what I’m talking about (I’m sure you will disagree with whatever) but how is something that is universal not fair? Maybe in your opinion it’s not good if everyone gets $5.00, but just because you feel cheated doesn’t mean it’s not fair. 

if I understand you correctly, what you want to is, eliminat all ship prototype research, but limit fleet size by both fleet poins and research. so while you have upgraded planets for fleet cap, you may still need to research to take advantage of it.

if that is what you want, I won't like it. we already have to spend money for fp to gain more capacity for ships, adding a research layer to spend even more money to do exactly the same thing is frustrating and stupid.

or else I got your point totally wrong, in that case I'm sorry and you will have to explain, so even I understand.

Its not fair because this game is based around the basic mechanic more planets means more resources, including fleet points, and on larger maps this effectively caps a player at far less than his planet-based points. Which means my empire might cover half the map, but if there are 3 other players left, they all have the same size fleet as I do...

FFAs become even harder to win!

“I have 100 planets and little Billy only has 10, but we both have the same number of ships” That's not cool, so it’s a good thing it’s not what I’m talking about.    

The limit is their only early on, but it’s not going be any more of a hamper than the current system. There could be 3 stages for Frigates and 4 for Cruisers equal to the number of times you currently have to research for the 7 different ships. The last stage for example could make any further ship building fleet supply limited only. With the current system you may have access to a large fleet, but only limited types of ships.

(Basic Idea)
If you have more planets you have more fleet points.
If you have more planets you have more places to put research stations.
If you have more research stations you research higher in the tree.
If you research higher in the tree you get more ships, but ships of any type.

This does not do away with fleet supply.
This does not imply it’s more expensive.
This does not imply the number of ships with each stage.
This does not make ship numbers entirely research dependant.
This does not imply how many stations necessary for each stage.
This does not imply an end limit on ship numbers. (Really it doesn’t)
This does not imply how many stages for Frigates and Cruisers there should be.

If you don’t like the idea for what it is great, but at least try to understand what I’m talking about and where I’m trying to take it without making up things to dislike about it. I thought my pretty picture would help break it down barney style, but I guess it just makes it more confusing.  

Rhaw, given that we aren't understanding your suggestion, you need to explain it better. Why don't you try -- gasp! -- giving examples so you can collapse the multiple possible interpretations of your words into one possible meaning.

Let me see if I'm understanding:

Fleet points generated by planets would remain as it is currently. Basically you're introducing "crews" for frigates and cruisers like we currently have for cap ships - To build a ship requires both fleet points and a crew.

I still like the system as is, partly because I like how ship types evolve and get more diverse as the game goes on. With this system, while fleet sizes would still get gradually bigger like they do know, ship type diversity would remain constant. I like having to work to get carriers specifically and having the option of not bothering with getting certain ships. That is my objection to this plan.