Derek,
One issue with plug and play across different TL is that the data protocols and such just might not mesh well even if designed to work together. Think about the obsolescence problems we have with hardware and software across just one TL (7 to 8 or even within 8).
I would think that clever design of components built to be compatible could accommodate different TL for sure.
Still, build the hulls at the B star port and add the J drives at the A star port as the RC was starting to do makes good sense in a limited tech base.
Matt
---In , <nightrim@...> wrote :
I always felt certain components of higher tech could be dropped into a lower tech ship, specifically weapons. They're basically a prefab pod you drop in and take out. Now a TL15 laser would still hit like a TL15 laser but it would suffer from Ship TL hit modifiers.
A TL15 J-Drive would require TL15 computers to pull a J6. It might only have a TL12 FPP or a TL12 Heplar. If it's only got a TL12 Computer it can only pull J3...
This is kind of the tuner theory of starships, an old beater on the outside but completely loaded on the inside. I've never had issues with mixing and matching tech provide you keep in mind that the tech also acts as a limiting device.
Derek Stanley Sent from my iPad