I think this idea has real merit. I think it would expand RP capability, and let's be reasonable about the OORPers, almost no "casual" player is going to be able to afford this.
So Seth, are you tooling the idea for dockable Carriers? Or just NPCS? curious. I think both are great ideas, but I'm really pushing for dockable carriers with the aforementioned set up (if the carrier dies or logs off, you respawn on your last base)
This one thing has been on my mind since I STARTED playing Freelancer Discovery and I've been hoping to see that for a long time.. it would open up so many interesting RP possibilities and i think because of how difficult it is to obtain a Carrier it would be relatively easy to balance against the rest of the game.
Player Events could become much more interesting, and it -is- silly to have a carrier that doesn't bloody carry anything. You might as well call them "Emptiers" if we keep it is as it is. I do agree with removing a small amount of total firepower, but very modest, to keep balanced.
I would love to get a Carrier and a few good player-fighter-pilots to cause all sorts of interesting things around the Sirius Sector!
Please keep us informed on your progress, Seth/Cannon, and keep up the good work guys.