I really like the main post, ill be looking over the unit editor with some new ideas of improvement soon. (Well if I get any ideas...)

Sincerely
~ Kongdej

I agree with all but #3. It would be shortsighted to allow all traits on turn one. There needs to be a progression in unit design from the tech tree. The Warfare Tree relies on adding traits for balance. I would say that each unlocked trait needs to show up in the tech tree user interface. The basic early traits are still useful later on. The cost/benefit of using older troops is not having the latest training and not being specialized in new weapon tactics. But you will have a higher level. It is a fair and more importantly realistic trade off.

actually the only thing I dislike about unit traits being unlocked with tech is I cant see when or where they unlock.

Sincerely
~ Kongdej

You make a good point. I took a gander at the trait prereqs and there are some powerful ones way up in the tree. The vast majority though are about the same power. We could do with moving a large number of them down to Training and Drills. I really don't want anyone to get anything good on turn one. We need to keep those vile Magic Tree and Civics Tree bastards away from our traits! Then some more powerful ones should be added to those later techs and even a few should be spread about the other trees where appropriate. And I still want faction specific traits and some factions that get extra traits.

This kind of thing is pure content though. I am afraid the coming lockdown of features will cut off much hope of getting this stuff soon. I will strategically place my begging for this after release for the first content update. Noted and filed.

Would it be possible to have an inventory screen when you upgrade and you could choose to upgrade to any in the same class of weapon/elemental damage etc. and be able to single or mass upgrade the one piece of armor?

Mixed feelings about some of the above.

But agree with

This would be a major redesign of misc objects to have fewer base types, but make all or most upgradeable like weapons and armor.  Then existing troops can "upgrade items" just like "upgrade armor" and "upgrade weapons".  Example:  a "fire amulet" chain might start with +1 attack, then upgrade to +2 attack +1 resist, and eventually to +3 attack +3 resist.  You would be able to specify auto-upgrade fire devices in unit design even before you research the first one, just like with cloaks.  (But I don't feel an urge to remove all the fire/ice/lightning/poison damage from weapons, and I don't mind if a fire axe is paired with a misc item that causes ice damage -- as long as the combat results reflect both damages correctly)

Then if they have extra time they can redesign traits and let units "upgrade traits" too.  For example, maybe at start there is a trait that increases strength but reduces initiative, but later it upgrades into a trait that increases strength a bit more with no penalty.  (I personally don't like penalties -- in my perfect world top-level traits wouldn't have them)

But what I really want is "upgrade unit size", so our early/small units can grow later in the game (I don't mind if experience is diluted and they lose a level or two).  I've seen enough requests on this so I know I'm not alone.