I've seen a lot of discussions about how much money AI crew siphon off players, especially inactive crew.
For instance, the discussion here shows some of the problems with the current system :
https://forums.frontier.co.uk/showthread.php/318891-Inactive-Crew-Still-Getting-Paid
The subject of whether it is fair or not that you pay them a full wage for doing nothing when you're not flying into combat with SLFs has been debated many times, so I want to take another approach.
NPC crew pilots need other jobs
Here is 2 ideas :
For instance, the discussion here shows some of the problems with the current system :
https://forums.frontier.co.uk/showthread.php/318891-Inactive-Crew-Still-Getting-Paid
The subject of whether it is fair or not that you pay them a full wage for doing nothing when you're not flying into combat with SLFs has been debated many times, so I want to take another approach.
NPC crew pilots need other jobs
Here is 2 ideas :
- Co-pilot: AI pilot takes 1 multi-crew seat and will use scanners on targets (ships or planets) in range without the need for the player to target them. Basically the "Gunner" role without the turrets (since they are already AI).
- Ship transfer: Remove or reduce a ship transfer cost by putting your crew on the job. The crew used will be unavailable during the transfer. The amount of time the crew member has been under contract with you should factor in the reduction in a way that will avoid players buying a crew member for a single cheap transfer.