Geoff the Medio wrote:
...That said, removing the distinction is something I've thought about and might be a worthwhile simplification.
I've considered that too, if for no other reason than it tends to be confusing to have to distinguish two different kinds of supply lines. I agree that a distinct, longer fleet supply line
could be a useful part of the game. But i also think it is
possible we could (with different content) make the game balanced and fun a unified supply line.
For instance later-game techs might allow fleets to be largely independent of supply lines, either through special hulls, parts, dedicated supply-producing ships, star-gates, or diplomatic access to allies empire's supply lines.
Even if you figure there's only a 40% chance that a single supply-line FO could work, it is probably worthwhile to try to make it work, until it is clear that it can't. Because if we can make it work a single, unified type of supply line is more KISS.