Replicator tech is a meaningless phrase, but things like super strong plastics or super conductive materials could certainly reduce the volume requirements. I am not trying to deny that a significant size and number of structures will require a large amount of haulage, but, since nothing has been quantified from a technology perspective, how can we make definitive statements regarding what is or is not possible.
Niven used a different set of words when he described it. Something about the level of technology of the Ringworld Builders had incredible power requirements necessary for creation and maintenance of the build. Unfortunately I didn't buy the book, I read it from the library so I can't reference to it. Still it comes close to replicator technology. Glad to see we agree on this though. Thanks to Beavis & Butthead (Berman & Braga), they had so overused that trope in the Trek Franchise it became pitifully laughable. Trying to introduce it here would be foolish and wasteful.
Regarding the NPCs, my point was that there are a large number of non-player factions, from which you can infer that there are significant numbers of people other than the players' organizations. Indeed, players make up a statistically insignificant portion of the the populace of Sol system, much less the bubble.
Point to you on this. I mentioned this earlier in this thread to the OP to stress the problem with individual resources vs. the NPC Galaxy weighs heavily in the galaxy's favour.
I know I'm waffling here; mainly due to three factors going on with me personally. 1. the many hats I often wear for my career. In this case, gamer, programmer, apologist, contrarian and analyst -- just to name the ones in play when I'm normally in the forums 2. My attempt to keep a frame of mind as I write my suggestions I'm working through and 3. My inherent contempt that's been building since reading this
thread, which many of the points made are definitely valid in my opinion.
Finally, the fallacy with your closing quote is that you are not arguing a truth, but rather an opinion on technology 1300 years in the future in a fictitious universe with inconsistent standards.
What is truth? You are aware many of the truths we cling to are based
entirely on a personal point of view.
I'll point out the truth I'm working with when it comes to this debate. We're playing a game programmed by developers born in the mid to late 20th century, on technology and a code engine created in the 21st century, trying to portray a setting in the 34th century. For all the foibles, concepts and perspectives, we're dealing with the limitations of a mindset and social mores that are firmly rooted in that here and now.
And no matter how good this idea from the OP here is.... There are currently way too many roadblocks along the way that need to be addressed first long before we start sullying the galactic sandbox.
So you can play contrarian like I do all you want. Are you ready to tell the OP here that there are way too many programming roadblocks before this is going to happen? Or should I? I don't mind playing the villain in this case, I do it as part of my job.
