If you set a rally that's effectively how it works, but I am not crazy about that. The micromanagement to build starbases is frustrating. At the very least I'd like to see all starbase modules shown, rather than have some that require upgrades be hidden. We need to see more information so we can plan how many constructors to send -- I prefer to send fleets of constructors in the exact number I need, but I shouldn't have to fiddle and hope that I have the correct number.

I'd prefer to see starbase modules be similar to how planets function, but it's also important that shipyard use be tied to starbases. Currently you have to make a choice -- ships or starbases. It just needs to be easier to execute on that choice. Constructors are also vulnerable which is important.

It wouldn't take any micro more than 1 click.

Set shipyard to build nearby starbases On/Off. (If you set several On, it could either pick the nearest one, or pick a nearby one with a shorter queue).

Then whenever you wanted an upgrade to a starbase you'd go to the starbase and build it, when the constructor was ready it would be automatically sent and added. 

Anything already in the shipyard queue is bumped down to make room for the constructor request. If you wanted a 'buy all option' then make the construct built quickly, but the cost high on the starbase.

It is but it also means your ships are vulnerable and can be destroyed on route, so you need to keep them safe. If we take out constructors entirely, all you need to do is get one ship somewhere deep in enemy territory guarded by a fleet and you can upgrade it easily.

It also means you will see more starbase spam, as the tactic will be easier. Get an influence starbase somewhere in enemy territory, guard it and that's it, you'll have their planets after a while (unless the influence gains are % based, not a flat value)

If this was the case, and there was a visible link on the map to protect, i'd not object at all. As it is with the idea you have, you don't have to protect anything but the base, and your planets. So you can put this influence starbase (or starbases) down anywhere you like and magically create a zone for yourself of control, with no regard for the distance it is from your homeworld. In fact you'd be rewarded for doing so, as then you'd just be protecting two things, your offensive influence forward base, and your core worlds which could be long distances from where your starbase actually is anyway, so long your enemy can't hit you back. Better yet with rush builds, there would be no delay between buying something at one planet and having it appear lightyears away across the map. Can you see how it needs a bit of refining before the idea could be used? I am not against what you are saying in principle. 

For what its worth.. I've been unable to find the location in xmls that defines how far a starbase reaches (what it dies hells yea, nust not range .

Star wars are another story & (I think) a work in progress, I've been unable to really make the do much of anything interesting yet , but I think   will have effects more akin to the Hyperion planet improvements and/or improved efficiency

I vaguely recall that in galcIvII one of the stardock folks admitted that there were serious difficulties involved with moving the bonus around because so many things would need to be checking each turn if a starbase moved into/out of their area of effect.  I don't know if that still holds true in galcivIii though

heres my thoughts on starbases

first i would like to see a constructor to start a chain of upgrades

example 

if i want to build the research upgrades in the economy starbase i need 3 constructor modules. 1 for the starbase, 1 for the economy ring, and 1 for the research module.
after that the upgrades to the research building would take time and an upgrade cost

second a starbase governor screen

this screen would allow me to set a spending on starbases the more money you set aside the faster these starbases get upgraded.
then it should show all starbases organized by type and then individually and allow me to set prioritys based on type and individual starbases

example 

i set military to priority 1 and economy to priority 5
i then set
Border military starbase-1 to priority 1
Core world Military starbase-1 to priority 10
and core world economy starbases 1-5 to priority 3 

the governor would send resources to try and upgrade my Border military starbase first since its total priority is 2.
then it would send resources to my core world economy starbases since they have a total priority of 8.
and finally my core world military starbase at priority 11.

some other options could include adding the number of built module's to the priority value which would give you a more rounded fleet of starbases. or even giving priority values to specific modules or modules types (kinetic/missile/beam, offense/defense, economy/research/manufacturing)

third decreasing resources based on range from a friendly world this could use the same formula as the shipyard uses so the further away a starbase is from any of your worlds the more modules would cost to upgrade. 
you could have a treaty option where you could use an allied races world as opposed to your own world for calculating this cost but then the allied player would ask for a tax on the resources sent. 

you should also be able to upgrade a module by sending an additional constructor to it

I had to actually redo my password just because I wanted to chime in on this one...

I have to agree with the OP.  The constructor spam in this game is just to much.  I love most of the game mechanics so far even if I am trying to remember how everything works atm. but the two most aggravating things are...

A. Taking two constructors to actually make a usable starbase.

and

B. Having to constantly spam constructors to all corners of the galaxy each time a starbase module becomes available.

I don't mind having to fly the initial one out there and even a new constructor for each type (economic, military, mining, sensors, ect...) of ring.  But once I get that cultural ring built I would like to see the follow up modules for the type be buildable without a new constructor.  I do like the idea of attaching a starbase to a planet like ship yards are for production. It might even limit starbase spam as you will have to have a planet feeding each base.

But as they are currently set up it is way to much mindless macro. It isn't game breaking or even something I would toss the game over.  But it could be better and more streamlined.

I like constructors.  The poor little things need some love and support on these boards.  I am finding I have fewer of them in GC3, but am still able to enjoy that little cloud of ships, each making its way to somewhere useful.  One of the signs of a healthy economy is constructors being useful.

I think I have seen this suggestion and I could live with it but I would prefer modules like buildings.  

I am confused about this statement as economic bases give a base production boost as well as having economy and trade modules. And that is all granting that manufacturing, research, and morale bonuses aren't economic bonuses, which I don't agree with.

They are there if you research them, though if I remember correctly they have a weird thing where you have to build a tier of the morale modules before you can build the next tier of economic modules.

Bump

Stardock, please do something with this.  It is the worst part of GC2 just brought forward with essentially no change.  There has to be a better way to build starbases.