We are in the midst of voting whether or not to change from auto to self collection of base resources. A question has come up which I just can't answer, even after reading the wiki and searching the forums.

Auto is well understood, so no explanation necessary.

With self collection:

If someone doesn't collect a base shipment before the next one comes in, do they lose the previous day's shipment, and, if they do, where do those points go? Are they distributed among the other players, or just poof, gone?

Also, if someone self collects, without clearing space in their banks, will the shipment still be allowed to exceed bank maximums?

Shipments must be claimed daily, otherwise they are gone. They are not distributed to other members, they are just lost. You'll receive your shipment regardless of how close to your production caps, ie. you can receive your shipment past your resource caps.

Thank you very much! That was fast.

Yes. I love chocolate chip!

Also if you have low level members it is best to make them collect the shipment or they will reach their rank capacity and lose out on hourly shipments until they do.

Base shipments will always go over the resource caps, regardless of whether they are collected or automatically distributed.

One good thing about Manual Collection is that it doesn't force artifact points on people who are already struggling to save Cargo space.

another benefit is that you are able to collect and turn around to deposit shipments at your own time. Prevents your shipment being delivered to you and someone farming you while you are sleeping, working, walking your dog, etc..