I sat playing EVE a few days ago and had an idea

How about modules for our constructs
Each system has a support value, probably determined by the number of colonists in that system,
e.g. a system with 15 colony would have 15 support points
Each module has a cost, determined by the type
e.g.
Power module, to power other module types,
Power produced=3, support points cost=3
scanner module, +10 visual range for construct,
Power used =1, support points cost=3
Repair module, repair 1 construct per turn (random),
Power used = 2, support points cost=2
Decoy module, launch 1 mimic drone per turn,
Power used =2, support points cost=2
Remote repair, launch a repair drone at a random damaged friendly ship in scan range,
Power used = 4, support points cost=4

This would then make the constructs worth fighting for
All values I put here are not really tested to any degree,
And I have deliberately put no offensive weapons here

I think that Epic Blooms will create something worth fighting for first.

But, I do agree that constructs and colonies are soul-less places. And constructs have proved they can survive if armoured and defended. So I will think about it - but I must firts code up those other rule changes.

Which I will start doing this week.

Jonathan

epic blooms will be worth fighting over,
will give the slower more heaverly armoured ships more value