Ted,
I don't think I agree with you.
1. In point one you said that the Regency Navy has evolve to using
different types of ships. Well supposed that would the RQS job to keep
the quarantine. No? And what the major fleet battles are there to be
fought. Most pocket empires (supposedly) will no have squadrons of
battle riders.
Every time you move the border, the whole border has the possiblity of
moving. If you decide to had another planet that may free up resources
for a planet behind it, because it no longer jump accessible from the
wilds.
Who says you any more taxes are needed. You could reduce the amount of
forces held in the interior of the Regency. This one thing I one aspect
of the 3I that I never understood, why they kept a incredible amount of
naval power in the interior of the 3I. The way I see it is that allowed
the Rebellion to happen.
2. What is an investment? Essentially you build something for the
future. Regency will not have "all" of its income "sucked" into taxes.
Won't the private sector get into this is well.
About the support required. That is a longer term investment as well.
Those supports will build up the infrastructure needed for being larger.
3. Who says anything about occupation forces. A lot of planets might
want to join the Regency given the chance. Yes some planets would
eventually need to be occupied, but given the Regencies tech level
advantage, the time to occupation would be limited. Look at the allied
powers occupation of Japan and Germany for example. You defeat the
country and then leave a small fraction behind.
About the loss of support. Why? People will give up support when the
feel it is no longer a just or worthy cause. If the Regency performs
well (no reason to thing that it will not), why would be people give up
support.
Who says that it is war machine and that everyone's children would be in
it.
4. Ok. I already mentioned time issue. Just look at how long it took
Japan and Germany to get on their feet. Take a look at East Germany
today. After 3 years it is now on the upward track according to stats
and given 10 more years will be help out the whole of Germany.
Your right, the Regency can't afford it if every one lives like Americans
today do. Saving only 5% of their income and have stupid laws that
essentially hinder us. If the Regency saves around 10% of income the it
can easily afford it.
Alex