As a Stardock fan for many years and an older player I first want to thank the design team for their interest in our feedback.
I suspect the business model is aimed towards core gamers that like online PvP. I am not one of those. I like RTS and I enjoy sitting down and fiddling with games versus AI. Hence, not an uber gamer that learns all the best strategies.
That said, I have enjoyed the past two days learning the Servo layout and game play. Sadly, as other forum posts regarding rewards (loot, scrap, etc.), the cost-benefit of time grinding compared with being able to access better gear is something that needs adjusting. Assuming I don't follow advice of others in the forum (map 2, easy, buy second servo, run over to opponent base and kill servo and base, end in a few minutes) and I play map 1 at medium or higher, the standard grind lasts just under an hour until I've outlasted the many gauntlet runs from the AI and teched up high enough to crush his base. Based on what was earned (scrap and bits) versus what it costs to buy a loot pack with decent upgrades it appears it will take 20-30 hours of gameplay just to buy a random mid-grade piece of gear. If I play a few hours a week just to relax, I'll not see the end pieces for a very long time.
Do I want Monty Haul? No, but perhaps an option (toggle) for solo players (not cheats mind you) to up the rewards.
Stardock staff, thanks for your efforts.
Forum folks, I'm all ears if what I've made some sort of operator error.
Thanks,
Fizz