One of the advantages for the Vasari, and to some extent the Advent are that they can mine any system.

I see two problems with this:

1. The mines are free and TEC's are not.

Now this isn't necessarily bad, but in it's current form it is a severe problem with balance

2. TEC can't mine neutrals

I propose that the TEC starbase can also lay minefields - I know it's problematic in its current form, but I have hope!

First add a special constructor ship for mines and mines only. It sucks that currently if you are building anything else the mines get build last.

I like how TEC gets to place their mines, and I think adding in a mine-only constructor ship to the SB would work.

As for how to handle it, make it part of the level 1 factory upgrade. If you can build ships when why not be able to build a little guy to help lay mines. You can even increase the cost of the mines if needed.