I don't suppose its ready enough to release an API? I think I speak for every single person here when I say that I have like 5 new star systems I want to make.
Not quite. It's close to it, but not quite - still adding/changing things.
On a high level, though: you create JumpPointAPIs using Factory, and then place 'em inside a system. There's a method to auto-generate destination points for those in hyperspace, once you're done defining the system. Or you can do it all manually.
I'm glad the hangar space is gone - it would feel weird given how much fighters rely on carriers. Will the ships who had hangars be getting any buffs? The Vigilance and Hammerhead come to mind as ships that really benefited from supporting fighters.
No buffs. I don't think stuff is balanced finely enough to where a relatively minor change like that warrants "making up" for. One of these days, I'll get around to a balancing pass on ships, though
Does this include armor damage?
No - that'd be a bit harsh to ships that rely more on armor.
Do frigates still "wear out" after a while in battle even with this new CR mechanic? I think this new way makes much more sense than a frigate's crew just falling asleep at the wheel after a couple minutes. Come on, men, stop drinking all that vodka and rum. Ugh. Those damn green rookies, what am I gonna do with them?
Yes, this is totally unrelated. As far as frigate CR wearing down, look at it as system stresses - much like, say, running a car a too high an RPM for too long.
Will the hyperspace system be some kind of placeholder or are you aiming straight for the final implementation (with room for changes of course)?
Aiming for doing it "right", but perhaps not feature-complete. And, like you said, with room for changes. I feel good about the framework, though.
Ships delivered to stations will randomly replace ships already at the station if the total number exceeds 50, items delivered to stations will randomly replace stacks already present at station if the total number exceeds 100
Ensures the inventory doesn't stagnate
Potential problem: A ship you are saving money for gets replaced before you can buy it. Frustrating.
Maybe add the option to "reserve" the ship so the station keeps it in stock?
Yeah, that occurred to me. Write it off as "someone else bought it"
I don't think the game should necessarily provide these kinds of guarantees, or ensure the success of your actions. Want to make sure you get that ship? Better hurry. On the flip side, there are FAR more ship and fighter deliveries.