1) No, we've asked for it before but it's apparently a lot of work to arrange for. There is an 'upgrade minister' but you can't give it directions. If you turn it on it does what IT thinks should be done, not what you want.
2) Yes, but this is actually a problem for the AI. Players can use it fine, but the AI doesn't know to get things out of the SYB cargo. A base with a space yard, cargo, and mine/satellite bays is a great way to make a self-sustaining warp point defense. Add fighters into the mix to chase strays that get away from the satellites and you have a complete defense without ships.
3) How long do you want it to take? You can play for days easily. That's what makes the game so great, you can get totally absorbed in it.
Re: Great game, and some questions...
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