cooperative intelligence

[Dogboy]

I'm sorry, but I don't understand one thing: Say I have cooperative intel level 5 which gives me a bonus (+25%, I think) and I assign 1000 points to an ally. Does this effectively give him 1250 points (though they don't show up)? If not, what is the benefit of researching cooperative intel?
Also, does my ally's cooperative spending show up as "Intel used against you" from an ally?

[Captain Kwok]

Yes, if you had level 5 then you'd be effectively giving your ally 1250 points for every 1000 you spent on cooperative intel.

I'm not sure if they count towards any of the intelligence stats.

[BlueTemplar]

Damn, so you can't defend your allies with cooperative intel? That's a big problem! I guess you can give them some of your intel planets to protect them...

P.S.: Especially that there isn't much point to give your allies points to attack an enemy - you can just attack it yourself instead!

[Dogboy]

Thanks for the clarification. I agree with BT that it would be nice if you could help defend your allies, possibly assigning a % to defensive intel and a % to helping their attacks.

Is it the case that researching to a higher level in some area (e.g., sabotage ship) enables you to cause greater damage? Or, is the selection entirely random? (In the latest Balance Mod, in particular, QT).

Thanks!

[Captain Kwok]

Actually, cooperative intel from an ally can help you defend against intel attacks. Since your attack is enhanced, you can divert a greater percentage of your intel production to defense.

[Dogboy]

Good point, CK. Do you have any insight about my second question?

(By the way, thanks very much for all you do to help us newbies get a handle on the wonderful complex game!)

[Captain Kwok]

The effect amounts are somewhat random and do not depend on the level of research you've performed in any of the intelligence achievements.