So to start with, I love this mod. It really does make space logistics way more advanced. My ships are no longer self sufficient, they load up on fuel and ammo at spaceports.
Let's start with some other mods. TFMG Platform Docking (https://mods.factorio.com/mod/TFMG-platform-docking) is a great companion to this mod and it may provide some insight into how it could function in the future. It would be nice if the space elevator had pipes and belt inputs for more direct exchange.
Here are the issues I've found so far:
1. Transferring spoilable items resets their spoil timer. It certainly makes it easier for bioflux and biter eggs.
2. Removing a space elevator with the deconstruction planner does not remove the chest and tank. I could not find a way to remove them.
3. Removing a space elevator with the deconstruction planner does not disconnect it from docked ships. The only solution I found was to remove the dock from the ship to reset.
These are some suggestions I think would improve the mod:
1. The elevators could really benefit from multiple item inputs. Currently I haven't found a way to reliably load multiple items through a single elevator.
2. I would prefer if elevators could have multiple docks with separate connections. This would allow my fuel refinery to import raw materials and export fuel without the assistance of other stations.
3. I should be able to change elevator settings without a connection. Currently I have to connect my ship and then quickly disable transfers. It would be easier if I could always control item and fluid upload and download settings.
4. Energy costs should scale with item weight. 20 iron plates should cost less than 20 nuclear bombs.
5. I use a mod that lets inserters take items from cargo bays, so it would be nice if I could place them within five tiles of both the main hub and cargo bays. This would also make it easier for multiple elevator connections.
I made a separate list for circuit conditions since I think the space elevator should support a lot.
1. The elevator should be able to report the capacity of both ground side and space side docks and tanks.
2. The elevator should be able to report settings like upload/download and transfer rates.
3. The elevator should be able to change settings based on circuit conditions.
4. The elevator should be able to mirror signals between the space dock and ground pad.
5. The elevator should be able to select connection channels based on circuit conditions (Connect to nauvis stone if STONE < 500, connect to nauvis oxidizer if THRUSTER OXIDIZER < 50000
I don't really know which are feasible but with them I could work with a single, smart connection that grabs what it needs instead of multiple docks and elevators.
