Just wondering...what could we do with prisoners if we *didn't* want to release them?
hmm...maybe this is a pub topic...but then again, maybe there is a real answer to the question

only other thing you could do is scrap them. But why oh why wouldn't you want to use them???

well basically when you get them they have a choice, they can either join your crew, become part of the ship, or go into slavery.

part of what I don't get is how does "releasing" them build your ship bigger...doesn't seem like "releasing" to me, sounds like "consuming" or "Assimilating"

exactly think Pirates of the Carribean, they were either part of the crew, part of the ship, or dead

You're actually releasing the prisoners to their homeworld. The homeworld, in a show of gratitude, sends you additional crew to help you with your journey.

The rescued prisoners do not end up being the crew.

Although the rescued scientists/specialists do work for you as the artifact option is "Hire scientists/specialists"

Well, that or they get conscripted to become crew members, or else their bodies are lashed together to add on to the ship, a la the corpse boat in the Black Freighter Whichever, really.

I'd like to be able to strap their bodies to my ship and become Reaver.

+1

lol yes let them add extra hull.