My thoughts so far.

1. Keep in mind that you are not expected to get the entire tree in a typical game.  You will generally only grab one main gun (orb) and possibly a fighter type such as misslers or gatlings, along with a few other boosts.   You can move to photon torps or other more advanced guns if time allows, but typically it will not.
I don't see a problem with this.

2. Kind of agreed.  However there are only so many things you can change.  As stated already, cannot really vary ranges very well in this type of game.   I have a big pile of suggested modules which are more specific purpose.  The idea being that one can relatively quickly research a given thing and use it to counter a particular tactic.    Right now it is tough to do that because many items are on top of the research list.   Stuff like Visio, etc are literally unusable realistically.


3. They needed to keep the squads small for resource purposes.  Allowing 5 fighters or 3-4 bombers per bay would double the units onscreen and cause performance issues.  They are pretty well balanced as is.

4. Agreed but like I've said, I don't see that marines SHOULD be an easily renewable resource considering their potential power.

5. Agreed.  But he already reduced the cost by 20% and there should be SOME kind of penalty for being able to repair in the middle of space in 10 seconds or so.    You simply should be using repair less often and using the battlestation repair bay for slower fixes.   Having a space station with this capability would help too.

6. DONE!   Download new version. :-)

1.that's kinda the core of the complaint. Why are they locked behind research if you can't realisticly use them?  As the problems driving the performance limits are a bit more complex than I first thought its not likely that the game will see any significant increase in battle size which is sad because I'd love to be able to build some big fleets with specialised ships. I think the game would be more enjoyable and have significantly more replayablity if systems where more complementary as opposed to chose your BFG and run with it.Also you should actually need to get through the bulk of the tree to overpower a tier 5 enemy.  That kind of thing is a staple trope of RTS games.

2. I disagree Harbinger did this and did it well even when you account for the different performance of racial variants.  It makes since to use it hear too. Besides if you tech up the right gun fast enough you can already snipe targets its just not as easy. What I'm talking about is having the guns allow for the option of a more layered gun battery. This would at least make the other weapons viable options even if the power gamers never availed themselves of that option.

3. Maybe but I'm constantly seeing my squadrons outnumbered and overwhelmed by enemy fighter support. If we can't increase the numbers then boosting individuals toughness and speed could also work. Like the stations our fights are just constantly outclassed in-game.

4. I'm not saying that it should be push a button get them back in 10 seconds fast. But realistically I should be able to use the boarding options nor often then once every 20 minutes without buying a new ship. Id say double the current replenishment rate and twerk from there plus add that ability to the starbase. Or add a research or upgrade option to improve the rate.

5. I see your point. Personally I don't like the current option at all I think its too fast to the point of being somewhat disruptive and that's why is ruinously expensive to use. Its also not realistic in the least. I'd personally be in favor of ruling out the current system entirely in favor of just letting stations do the work at a increased rate to the starbase current speed.  Having a repair ship or mountable gun option would also be preferable to the expensive magic button you can never really afford to use. Hell if be ok with doubling the repair time on the button just to get rid of using the rps.

6. Can't its not live yet.