[Alneyan]

I would like the ability to add variable values in the game for modding purposes. For example, I would love to be able to index the cost of all research on a certain variable (say, number of planets), making research more expensive as your Empire gets bigger.

It would be something a bit along these lines: the user sets up a variable value (Number of planets here), and then makes a table that would list the effects of a given value of "Number of planets" on the cost of research. So, for instance:
- Under 100 planets: modifier of 1.00 to research cost
- Between 100 and 199 planets: modifier of 1.20 to research cost
- Above 200 planets: modifier of 1.50 to research cost

One of the purposes of this kind of values would be to make maintenance or construction more expensive as an Empire becomes bigger, thus lessening the importance of expansion. It would also reduce the gap between huge Empires and their tiny, helpless neighbours. But there would be quite a few possibilities with altering values dynamically this way.

Hmm, my explanation isn't exactly what I would call clear... *Grumbles*