That's a really good PR spin on it. But behind the excellent (mis)use of the english language, the fact remains that large fleets are rewarded, small fleets are not.

I don't like this.

I'm in two fairly small fleets - one Tier 2, the other just making Tier 1.

Even at low Tiers, the amount of Dilithium you have to channel into Fleet projects is huge - the only tangible reward being access to Fleets ships and Weapons.

Now you're introducing a new element that I have to spend hard-earned Fleet credits on to create? So all I've really done is exchange Dilithium for Fleet Credits which I'll then have to spend on Doffs ('cause of the insane price hikes) and materials to build new holdings?

Which presumably I'll be able to get these Mk XII consoles from for further payments of Fleet Credits and Dilithium??

This whole setup is starting to look like a long con - or possibly some ingenious tax swindle.

Look at it this way -- the reputation system is cheaper than the embassy which is cheaper than the starbase. We have individuals who've gotten Tier 1, 2, and even 3 (admittedly this last example is a few standard deviations above the norm) bases by themselves. Yes, the dilithium costs do add up quite a bit and that is a cause for concern, but it's not surprising that these long-term goals are easier if you have 1) lots more contributing members, 2) more time to get doffs, dilithium, energy credits, or 3) money to buy the things from #2.