Just removing a post from the other forum to name something specific and put it here.
I've marked a concern that the Science from Banks is a good idea, but slightly out of place: the intent was essentially to give a boost to Merchant Civilizations, particularly if using the Industry Tree.
Thus, rather than putting the "spend money -> gain science" ability on the Bank, I suggest simply moving it to the Industry Tree - though weaker, since not everyone would be picking Industry; and we could include money spent on Unit Upgrades. Thus the following results.
1. I can't burn all the AIs money through intelligent trading anymore to deplete their science, because the ability is no longer universal.
2. Makes thematic sense as Banks aren't doing this much research, but an Industrialist is certainly interested in how his money translates to science and what he can learn from his expenditures.
3. It functions in the slot that we want to improve (Industry) without the potential for heavy fluctuation (since even non-Merchant Civs can have high income or Merchant Civs have low income depending on the circumstances, which makes balancing the Bank's ability extremely awkward).
4. Removes the monotony of wanting to have Banks everywhere ASAP so no money spent ever equates to lost science: buildings stay on a more level playing field of strategic choice instead of virtual necessity.
I've marked a concern that the Science from Banks is a good idea, but slightly out of place: the intent was essentially to give a boost to Merchant Civilizations, particularly if using the Industry Tree.
Thus, rather than putting the "spend money -> gain science" ability on the Bank, I suggest simply moving it to the Industry Tree - though weaker, since not everyone would be picking Industry; and we could include money spent on Unit Upgrades. Thus the following results.
1. I can't burn all the AIs money through intelligent trading anymore to deplete their science, because the ability is no longer universal.
2. Makes thematic sense as Banks aren't doing this much research, but an Industrialist is certainly interested in how his money translates to science and what he can learn from his expenditures.
3. It functions in the slot that we want to improve (Industry) without the potential for heavy fluctuation (since even non-Merchant Civs can have high income or Merchant Civs have low income depending on the circumstances, which makes balancing the Bank's ability extremely awkward).
4. Removes the monotony of wanting to have Banks everywhere ASAP so no money spent ever equates to lost science: buildings stay on a more level playing field of strategic choice instead of virtual necessity.