Frabby
Let's assume X is classed as an alloy. Like other alloys, it can be made from a commonly known mineral and will act as a substitute for that mineral in production. As it is a restricted item it will require a BP to produce X.
Further, X has special properties and can be used for certain other pieces of restricted technology. Naturally, the Aff who discovered X therefore have a vested interest to keep it from public knowledge.

Question: Will X show up as a possible substitute on TMs for the underlying mineral, even if the person who requests the TM has no knowledge of X or its blueprint?

I think this is the case: Jacium Laced Alloys were known as a substitute for Thorlium Laced Alloys even before anybody had researched them - the knowledge presumably came from TMs for TLA.
This goes for substitution of ores with alloys, of items with higher mk's or entirely different items (like, 3 rock structural modules can substitute 1 structural module); it also goes with the list of possible ammo loadouts for launchers and rail weaponry.

I think this kind of information should be suppressed as it gives away too much.
David Bethel
QUOTE
Question: Will X show up as a possible substitute on TMs for the underlying mineral, even if the person who requests the TM has no knowledge of X or its blueprint?


Currently yes it does show up. I've just changed it to not showing up, so that will occur when we update when mica gets back.

This has already been done for ammo, so its just something that has been missed. I can not see any case for not showing items required for construction.
Sjaak
QUOTE (David Bethel @ Sep 17 2004, 09:56 AM)
QUOTE
Question: Will X show up as a possible substitute on TMs for the underlying mineral, even if the person who requests the TM has no knowledge of X or its blueprint?


Currently yes it does show up. I've just changed it to not showing up, so that will occur when we update when mica gets back.

This has already been done for ammo, so its just something that has been missed. I can not see any case for not showing items required for construction.

What will happen if someone buys one MU of the restricted item, does he going to get an list of things he can build with it when he requests an TM?? Even if you would restrict it to things he knows about it, it would be very handy...

I have seen some ores on the market (like Moxa) which I am not really sure what they are used in... It would be nice to know where you can use it.

Also, it looks like that there are a lot of commen items, I have never seen anywhere ... those Sensor nets where an prime example.

Maybe its time to add an order like "Show an List of Knowledge" with TM.