Just started playing a new Krastorio run and really appreciated the Space Ship Assembly Machines!
It helps to get through the early phase and accelerate faster. I also like that they can't be replaced and leave you stuck with their spawn location.
What I didn't like is that they become essentially useless after a short while since they are really basic:
My character with enormous knowledge crashes with his space ship on this planet. The ship is peak engineering by a really advanced society and ... its assembly machines are worse than a basic assembler?!
I want more intention to cherish, take care and value what remains of my ship! I'd make them low energy consuming end-game assembly machines. It is the carrot hanging in front of your face of what can be achieved. Maybe even make them more powerful than what can be researched: Not just faster and less energy consuming but I could also imagine functions such as being programmable: Craft 10 Gears then 10 Iron Sticks to then build this-and-that item.
Over time the base expands but I find myself coming back to my old ship to still use these so-far-and-beyond machines to manufacture complex stuff for me. Could be really useful for personal gear which you don't need so much of.
Another version would be that I can upgrade them with items and that they become more powerful over time. Add automation cores for flexibility, add inserter to make it faster, add chests for more internal storage etc.
Really loving the mod so far!
