Merc/Mod question

[sansanjuan]

Is there any provision in the game to modify Commanders into Mercs? I ask because some have suggested gem gens would be ok if they and the gems they generate were locked on to the holder. If the game could be kludged such that equipping a gem gen would make a commander a 999 turn merc (but with normal non-merc upkeep) then balance might be made since mercs won't give up their gems. Perhaps a silly, impossible dream but thought I'd ask.
-ssj