I was thinking, in the CT lab, when you make a discovery, surely you do that by perfecting a proto-type? As such, shouldn't there be one to use when you discover it? So I was thinking you should get a free one. Not sure how hard to implement retro-actively, but still.

I like the idea, I really do, and it makes sense.

However, and I'm sure I'm just being a negative nelly here, but, what about players who just visit other CTL's to research stuff just so they can get it for free.

Now, I'm not saying this is realistic, because anyone who could actually do this probably already has the ship modules from the CTL.

But, it would be possible for someone to create a whole bunch of level 4 bases, and try to get the artifact they want from the CTL unlocked so they get the prototype, then auction off the base and repeat.

My "realism" flaw I see is the materials to create a prototype. If your working on a prototype, that takes actual resources. So wouldn't failed research attempts eat up artifacts that were not successful?

I just kind of imagine that the ct lab uses a simulation type of environment and you virtually construct these things, resulting in a useable blueprint.

Perhaps, but your using research points. I always thought of those as almost like a research grant from the big boss back at base, with which you would buy the materials.

And Silver, you could make it so you could only get 1 "free" artifact of each type. After that, you get a discount on the sucessful attempt or summit.

That sounds good.

Normal prototypes aren't as good as the first one.