Easiest Probe Team Missions?

[johndmuller]

I can't speak for the Mac version, but with the PC when using either SMAC v4 or SMAX v2, I seem to be unable to designate an armored probe, crawler, or former as the defender - there is no entry on the menu where one is for a "regular" unit and striking Ctrl-D likewise has no apparent effect, i.e. no message and no symbol by the unit specs. I wouldn't suppose it matters, but in case it does, I was using Transcend in that test.

PS, I don't think I can designate armored transports either, although I would expect them to defend before those other non-coms, armored or not.

[Avenoct]

Apologies for the wrench I apparently threw in.

My experience is that other probe missions are harder after the Security Interlocks message. The way I 'tested' this was to see the success percentages in targeted probe actions after I'd stolen tech, though I didn't see any cost change in the mind-control option. I very possibly am wrong.

As for designate defender, probably wrong there too. I don't use that much. The exception is Former Teams. I usually have a few groups of 4-8 formers in the mid-game that move together to drill to aquifer, make boreholes, etc.. In that case I often armor one, which would automatically be used as the defender b/c it's better armor, so this is redundant.

-Smack