Regarding the latest shield changes: I like them with one caveat.
It is great that they no longer require fuel (can be kept on indefinitely, makes them more useful as a defense measure). It is great they are stronger the bigger they are. Once again, like for engines and generators, it makes sense that a bigger shield generator would have a bonus due to less miniaturization.
I am uncertain, however, about the fact they recharge for the same fixed amount instead of a proportional amount. Coupled with the fact that larger shields are comparatively easier to destroy, it makes me wonder what the possible usage of large shields will be.
I feel that shield regeneration is very important in a prolonged fight. I don't know if the added shield strength is going to be enough to justify going with one large shield compared to 5 smaller shields which would regenerate a lot faster, and would be harder to kill off entirely.
So maintain same rules for all engines and keep missile ranges as they are (and missile fuel a minor consideration) or keep the x5 modifier and make fuel a serious consideration for missiles.
Thoughts?
My opinion is that missiles do need to be "shorter range" than before. Fuel cannot be irrelevant as it was before. The new fuel formula should have solved that, but now you have found out this bit of code you did not remember about.
Personally, I would still keep the x5 modifier. I think it's a much needed modifier, for gameplay balance reason between the various weapons. I can understand some might not like that, but there's a lot of other arbitrary choices that were made in this game obviously.
I do think that "make fuel a serious consideration for missiles" is a valid and reasonable thing to do. Because it IS so in real life as well, so I don't see why fuel should be irrelevant in Aurora.
Iranon's proposed solution would only work (somewhat) at low tech level, and would be not relevant anymore afterwards. So I would keep the x5 modifier.