The
auto-assignment algorithm does not place high enough priority on my ships' non-commander positions (science officer, XO, etc.).
We can fine-tune the auto-assign priority of the commander positions for our ship classes, but the auto-assigner assigns command positions for all ships before assigning any non-command positions.
As a result, I often have to fight with the auto-assigner.
For example, an officer that would be a fine XO, but also has a 5% logistics bonus, will be auto-assigned as captain of some random freighter or tug.
I would like some way to modify this behavior.
Here is perhaps a workable approach:
Under the "Commander Priority" value on the Misc tab of Class design, add a dropdown that has the Primary Assignment Priority groupings and their associated bonus, plus a 10th item:
1 Geo Survey or Grav Survey, Bonus: Survey
2 Protection Values > 0, Bonus: Crew Training
3 Military Vessel, Bonus: Crew Training
4 Construction Ship, Bonus: Production
5 Terraformer, Bonus: Terraforming
6 Harvester, Bonus: Mining
7 Asteroid Miner, Bonus: Mining
8 Salvager, Bonus: Production
9 All Others, Bonus: Logistics
10 None
The default selection is 10 None.
If a non-default is selected, auto-assignment will assign non-commander positions for this ship design before assigning commanders of the selected priority group.
Another idea: let me flag a commander for a specific role.
Perhaps a dropdown on the commander details pane next to the checkboxes for "Story Character" and "Do not Promote".
The dropdown contains all of the non-command officer role types (Science, Engineering, XO, etc.), plus a default "None".
If a non-default is selected, auto-assignment will assign this officer to that role, if one is available, before assigning this officer as a ship commander.