So, player-owned bases are a thing now. And they can be great avenues of RP.
And they've got a use as cash sinks, as well; maintenance takes credits out of a gradually inflated economy by way of buying materials.
The only problem is, this maintenance is unbelievably tedious.
In 24 hours, a base will burn 8640 Reinforced Alloy, if it's not under attack. That's 3,024,000 credits. That's really cheap - but it's also at least two trips every day for any faction, three if they don't have 5ks.
Here's my concept:
Cut the gradual wear-and-tear massively - every six hours, the base uses 125 Reinforced Alloy for maintenance. Increase the price to 120,000 per unit. This will, therefore, cost 6,000,000 credits per day for maintenance - offering more of a cash sink, but because even a freighter can make the trip, a transport can stock up a base for a longer time.
Now, that doesn't address some other concerns - namely, repairs under assault.
That's why I haven't mentioned Robotic Hardware. Robotic Hardware will continue to function under current repair mechanics, but only when the shield is up. This will allow you to keep a stockpile for repairs while under siege under the current mechanics, while making normal wear-and-tear damage less irritating to deal with. Kazinsal has told me that setting it up this way is probably doable.
Oh, and stay on the topic of the suggestion, please. You know why I say this.
