Seems we need to define what a base is;
- Is it a base of operations that is fixed? A planet that one rotates back to on a regular basis for rest and repairs?
- For Mercs and Lone Wolves; is it Solaris VII, a planet they have recently taken or perhaps the planet they call home on a social level?
- Is it a semi-permanent structure that is dropped in after a planet is taken and used for repairs? With or without fixed defensive positions?
- Is it a structure that can be dropped in during the fight which gives the owning side field repairs and long range artillery support?
From the options given it seems the poll is centered around Option 3 - Asking me if I want a semi-permanent structure that I haul around and setup for repairs at a minimum. Option 4 just seems to much to ask of the devs even at a much later date.
If I'm part of a House faction then the House owns tho' it made me responsible for it's upkeep, upgrades and safety. If it's part of a MercCorp then it's theirs. Everyone assigned to the unit has access to the repair facilities tho' one would assume c-bill cost to feed the Techs and procure replacement parts.
Upgrades: Everyone would throw a bit of spare change in every cycle. The next upgrade could be fixed or voted upon by the unit.
Length of time to upgrade: Would depend on the upgrade as some (better Mech facility to shorten repair time) would be just a matter of hiring on more Techs and getting them better tools. This would be a rather quick upgrade. Lengthier upgrades could be such things as those that harden it defensively as the point defense weapons would have to be ordered, approved (in the case of House units), shipped and installed.
How this could be implemented would be interesting for game balance purposes but does have some upside.