Multiple points to address here. The only problem with having 24 vs 12 (which is the actual top value, not 10) is that there is a static number in the code that says so. A number than can be easily changed or potentially made dynamic.
As for modeled thrusters putting this ship out of the way of other ships, only if they don't get modeled thrusters as well. And anything with a circular shaped engine will probably be low on the priority scale. But lets face it, round shaped thrust balls on non-round thrust vents = not all that great. Compare the Pegasus with a modeled thruster effect vs the current, it honestly looks significantly better the old way. But the fact of the matter was that less and less models were being made with modeled thrusters because everybody wanted the Particle/Glow-point ones or something (especially on the round shaped ones). Also, compare the above shot that The E posted on the Medusa rear against what is currently in the F3 lab. It just looks better, but 24 thrusters points (while not being a performance problem) are an aesthetic problem when you have 24 AB Trails from one ship.
Despite there being a hodge-podge of members and aesthetics working on the models, there actually IS an over-laying style guide and direction. We may not be a professional studio, and our numbers may come and go, but it is there. Try applying that eye to the retail assets and tell me where it was then, because that's what we have to work with. And while there are many areas where subtle interpretations are everything, they do under go a formulation of consensus. Just because YOU don't see the organization doesn't mean it doesn't exist. And if it's output doesn't meet your aesthetic or standard, that's hardly my problem, but maybe you might share it more with us and we'll be more than happy to listen.
And nothing done should ever affect game play balance of the Retail Campaign. We test for that, and it is Verboten.
