Progression with User Choices

This ties into a lot of other proposed systems, including NPC encounters and loot.

First, the tl;dr - much like other feedback suggestions, I propose a research points system. Players could generate research points through basebuilding (research consoles that passively turn power into Research Points), combat (looting NPCs and their ships), and economy (trade materials or SC for Research Points, presumably very high cost to maintain balance).

I love the nod to device tiers in SE1, and I'd like to see that expanded in SE2; progression through research would mean starting with, for example, a Crude Refinery, progressing through a Basic Refinery, Refinery, Industrial Refinery, and finally an Advanced Refinery, with progressively more Research Points being required for each. Each progressively more advanced Research Console would also be obtained through research, with faster point accumulation and better power efficiency. The final tier for each upgradable device could be a Prototech version or something similar, which could only be unlocked via a Blueprint. Such blueprints could be faction-locked (in which case they could be obtained by gaining sufficient reputation to purchase them, or by going to war with that faction, finding each Blueprint as a rare drop), some could be available only as a rare drop from advanced encounters, etc.

I would also suggest that if there are to be multiple tiers of devices, that instead of making each a unique block that must be destroyed to replace it, a new mode be added to the welder - upgrade mode. Alternatively, there could be an "Upgrade" button within the UI of each upgradeable block that becomes available to any player who has the blueprint for a more advanced form of that block, or perhaps a dropdown to select any of the more advanced forms they have access to; one activated, the block would become inactive until welded up with the required upgrade materials. Each block would be upgradable through all its iterations, changing cosmetically from very plain and utilitarian to something like the intricate Prototech designs we see from SE1.

This style of progression increases player choice, and as always, could be completely shut off so everyone simply has access to all blueprints from the beginning. It would also be great to see a setting that toggles individual versus factionwide tech progression.