Perhaps FD might implement a policy where they subtract -1% Optimal Multiplier off G5 Dirty Drive's everytime someone asks how close the patch is to being released
I am though pretty excited about the new update (especially after playing with some new builds in the beta), but I'm also a little worried about engineering nerfs that might happen before the full release, since the new builds I'm planning in chapter 1 are contingent on them staying the same or improving.
These 2 upgrades in particular I'm keeping my eye on:
G5 Lightweight weapons got a huge buff, which even makes them useful to non-explorers if you use rails.
-Power Draw: -20% (2.4) -> -40% (3.0 beta)
-Distributor Draw: -20% (2.4) -> -35% (3.0 beta)
Apart from the missing damage buff and reduction in integrity, lightweight is nearly identical to efficient for Plasma in 2.4. With the -40% to thermal load for certain experimentals on rail guns, Lightweight rail weapons are looking pretty awesome for my armed explorer builds.
G5 Armoured PP's w/ "Thermal spread" are basically the replacement for small G1 low emissions powerplants
-Heat Efficiency: -20.8% (-12% without "Thermal Spread")
-Power Capacity: +12.0% (This is the real selling point here)
-Integrity: +120.0% (well for exploration ships not needed, but will be great for other combat builds)
-Mass: +20% (not great, but barely perceptable for 2A/3A PP's)
My explorer DBX in particular wants both of these, but my newly purchased FDL is also after the lightweight buffs. [money]