Poll: Should AI homeworlds be buffed? If so, How?

[Faulty Logic]

The AI homeworlds seem too easy, even without any superweapons. The Core Shield Generator response to people attacking the HWs early seems like it did not address the underlying problem: taking less effort than a single max-time wave in most cases. This poll aims to bring back the pain.

You may vote for any number of options, but as usual I request that if you vote for the first, do not vote for others.

Edit: discussion is welcome.

[Martyn van Buren]

I'm not voting but would suggest adding "less AIP reduction" --- if you raised the AIP "floor" at which it's possible to attack a homeworld it would make them a good deal more difficult, right?

[Faulty Logic]

No, that wouldn't affect the actual homeworld attack very much. It would make getting to the endgame, where HW attacks are possible, significantly harder, though.

Because it is not directly related to the HW attacks, I don't feel that option belongs in this poll.

Edit: reconsidered. Added "force higher AIP at the time of attacks." I personally think that the CSGs do enough of this, but the option should be there.

[Martyn van Buren]

I dunno, at higher AIP I find that the reinforcements the homeworlds get during the battle can become significant, and of course having more pressure elsewhere in the galaxy makes it a lot harder to bring a whopping great fleet for the assault.  So I feel like AIP has a pretty direct effect on homeworld assaults.  But to be sure, your poll, your call.

[Faulty Logic]

Actually, I never notice the mid-battle reinforcement pulses (because I have a mortal fear of AIP). Good point. Adding. Thinking about it, it would also impact CREs.

If this were chosen, I think entering a HW should cause 50 AIP, occuring once per HW. Destroying the station would then cause the other 50.

And of course I remove the ability to edit votes: nagging time.

Keith, adding "remove poll" to user permissions appears to allow me to allow users to edit voting at the beginning, but now that I have added another option, it is back to nagging you. Sorry.

[Wingflier]

I think you'd do better if you'd get the community involved first before you make a poll.

Most people probably didn't even think the Homeworlds weren't hard enough.  You should convince them of that first through discussion, then ask people for ideas.

[Draco18s]

Most people probably didn't even think the Homeworlds weren't hard enough.  You should convince them of that first through discussion, then ask people for ideas.

That's what I was thinking.  I haven't assaulted a homeworld since pre-4.0

[Mánagarmr]

Most people probably didn't even think the Homeworlds weren't hard enough.  You should convince them of that first through discussion, then ask people for ideas.

That's what I was thinking.  I haven't assaulted a homeworld since pre-4.0

This. I haven't even gotten that far. More due to time commitment, mind you, but still.

[Faulty Logic]

I think a poll, which displays opinions in a quantitative way, is much better than discussion only. It guides arguments, and is instantly understandable for people dropping in, who don't want to read a big thread. Also, posts show a much stronger tendency to stay on topic. And if a bunch of people don't think HWs need a buff, that will show up a lot faster and more clearly this way.

If it wasn't clear, I am happy to discuss why the homeworlds need or do not need a buff here. Discussion of the various options/implementations/degrees of intensity is also productive and welcome.

[Wingflier]

Well I meant having a thread for discussion, THEN a thread for polls.  That worked really well for me, anyway.

[keith.lamothe]

And of course I remove the ability to edit votes: nagging time.

max votes now 12, change votes = on

[Faulty Logic]

Thanks.

[Hearteater]

I voted to buff Core Guard Posts not surprisingly (though note they've been buffed once since), and permanent alert.  However, I don't actually want to see a permanent alert to BOTH.  Just the homeworld that gets attacked.  I think we should avoid any changes that encourage taking both homeworld near simultaneously.  There is already a huge incentive to do that in the form of all the AIP generated from killing off a homeworld.

[Kahuna]

I voted for
Anti-cloaking measures
Extra core guard posts
Both permanently alerted if either attacked | Provoke galaxy-wide response on attack
Buff core guard posts more
Other (post below, will add)

The "Other": New toys for the AI.

[Faulty Logic]

Added "massive defensive AI ships."

I assume the "core defenders" section was what you were referring to, Kahuna. If not, please specify what you would like me to add.