More docking port diversity.

[sashan]

The current game makes you upgrade the research center before you can transfer resources, right?

Given that, if the clamp-o-tron Jr. was available before that point, you could use the Mk. 1 command pod to perform very Gemini-like missions, in which docking was the whole goal of the mission. Advance a bit through the tree, and you can transfer resources. Shortly thereafter, you get the clamp-o-tron classic, which allows for more Apollo-like performance where you can easily transfer crew and supplies back and forth. Finally, you get the clamp-o-tron Sr., which I agree is pretty much only good for space station construction.

A small tweak to the tech tree and the existing parts can provide quite a bit of emergent gameplay. As it is, I go from Mercury-style orbital missions immediately to a moon mission, often by adding legs to my command module and a bigger booster. Having additional Gemini-like goals of EVAs, dockings and orbital maneuvers before "Explore the Mun" would be pretty fun I think.

Here I'll admit that I haven't ever used the COT Sr. Since I can launch every single space station part on one rocket, and most actual ships use the normal size, I haven't found a need for the biggest one.

I really like this idea.

[Kibble]

I would love different kinds of docking ports! Probe and drogue which lets you transfer astronauts and fuel, APAS type to connect modules and for big cargo vehicles, and Kontakt/Gemini-Agena for just mechanical connection.

[Whirligig Girl]

What if Crew could only transfer through command pods, structural parts (that aren't hollow), crew containers, and docking ports? It would make Crew-Transfer a valid tech-based mechanic. 0.625m ports wouldn't be able to transfer crew, but larger ports could. This might also allow for very light structural docking clamps like those in NearFuture.

[CaptainKipard]

What if Crew could only transfer through command pods, structural parts (that aren't hollow), crew containers, and docking ports? It would make Crew-Transfer a valid tech-based mechanic. 0.625m ports wouldn't be able to transfer crew, but larger ports could. This might also allow for very light structural docking clamps like those in NearFuture.

You mean something like Connected Living Space?