My legion has a level 4 base, and all modules are up to level 4 status except our hull, and I should be done researching that tomorrow. Base stats at the bottom of this post.

After we disable a enemy base, I always tell my guys to trade in their silver badges for Exo-Clamps, in order to help improve the base, because every little bit helps.
A couple of the other leaders would like to hold onto the silver badges and get Tetra-Seek Targeters.

Here's the kicker... our legion strength is 1290. I'm a leader, but not "the" leader, and I'm the highest ranking (229), next highest is 160. When we attack a well built level 3 base, its mainly me that puts in the hardest work, which is ok. If we get a level 4 base, I don't even try because I can't bring it down on my own, and the other guys barely put a dent in it.

That being said, I told them that its useless for them to get Tetra-Seek Targeters because that artifact doesn't really do much if their attack is weak. I think guys that are packing Heavy Anti-protons or better should have them.

Anyway, I'd like to hear you guys' opinion on me pushing them to get exo-clamps.

Base stats:
Shields - 42830
Hull - 25945
Attack - 3250
Defense - 12375

Eventually they're going to want to get Targeters anyway, so no reason not to get them now. A few of our members have used some Exo-clamps, I figure I will after I get enough Barrier Nexuses, I think keeping my planets safe and getting more artifacts would be more useful than the small amount of extra health. But then, we have a really strong Base already. But yeah, it seems useful enough to get the modules first, then get Barrier Nexuses as needed, then get Exo-clamps.

For a level 4 base that is pretty good for hull and shields.

Now as a leader of a legion I can't and will never tell my legion mates what to do with any type of badge be it red, yellow or silver. The second another leader tells me that I am going to leave simple as that.

Let them buy all the things they want. Only after they buy everything from ship items and even have enough barrier nexues then they should worry over exo-clamps.

As for enemy bases and your legion...You guys are to low for level 4. Level 4+ are meant for higher level legions and battle pacts for more legions to attack at once. Not saying that to be mean but from what you said of your levels I would not waste the energy for a level 4 base.

Again, free choice. How would you feel if someone told you that you had to always scan for bases and not use your red badges for ship items?

I'm with Ferrus on this. There's no reason NOT to get Tetras, BM50s and Surges. In the end, they will help your guys to better their base killing ability and NPC farming. Barrier Nexus are nice to have for your planets, and I wouldn't worry about Exoclamps untill your base is maxed out for your level.

As a strategy, you may want to consider doing slightly less damage yourself and encourage the others to do a little more. Fake an "out of energy" situation even. You might be surprised how well your crew steps up to accomplish things. Of course, you'll want to keep yourself in position to make a last minute kill if necessary. At your crew's ranks, I'd recommend continuing to farm level 3's unless you get in with another legion or 2 and tag team level 4's consistently. I don't mean hit one together every couple days, I mean each and every time you do a base. Pack-style base hunting is very effective.

On a side note, I got burned on Exoclamps for Enigma X. Bought a bunch of them right before the BM50 was added...

Ask them to get 1 exo-clamp for every 1 thing they get for them self's , it's what I'm doing with my badges.
At first you won't see any big gains , but it's a good middle ground to try and get the greedy to give a little.

Ez killa... aint that serious.
I simply tell them that if they enjoy the benefits that they get from the base, then they should give back. I'd prefer to build the base up in order to make it harder to be disabled. Think about lower ranking guys getting 12,000 research daily, they are happy as rabbits on a carrot farm to get that $hit. In return I feel that they should give a little back to the base.
Planetary artifacts can be taken away... how much protection would someone ranking 50, 60, 70, get from a nexus... not much. It would be a present for the guy ranking 150 who takes the planet.

So... when I tell them to get exo-clamps, I'm not doing it to be a hard-azz. I'm putting it out there as my logical tactic for building up our infrastructure (team effort). If it comes to the point where someone gets your attitude, and does not want to contribute if asked, they are welcome to leave, because at that point it is not team effort, that's the attitude of someone who is selfish, which does not benefit the legion. Everyone has to give in some type of way, and that does not mean just being a legion member. But luckily, they don't have your attitude, because since stressing my view on the exo-clamps, I've gotten 50 of them added to the base.

Team work! Yeeee