This is a proposal for a change in the way port can be captured that will solve 2 of the biggest problems in game atm:
1)prevent Landgrabbing map rollovers that demoralize and destroy whole nations in a couple of days.
2)give a meaningfull and usefull task to the starting and lower level players in the nation/clan and not only for the powergrinders.
how can this be archieved?! : by setting up a port supply that needs to be influenced before a port can captured OR before a flag can be crafted there (conquering fleets need to stack up supplies to before going on a campaign!!).
Imagine this; there are regular AI convois (2,3 or 4 big traders and a small escort) going to each port to supply it with basic needed goods to keep the port/city running (flower ,tools ect ,ect. not the goods we trade with now) ,each port has a minimum level of supplies it needs to stay functional /defendable, dropping below that makes it weak and it becomes capturable!.
So now if you want to capture a port ,first you have to weaken it by intercepting the resupply convois (a perfect task for players in mercs,cerbs, suprises and frigates! ) or as the opposing nation make sure the convois get through to the port you want to protect from capture (even human made convois with traders and escort would be possible! another great task for all ranks of players).
This mechanic will open up a whole new strategic level to the game, with a lot of possibilties for PvP and PvE battles for all player levels, while also reducing the number of ports beeing capturable at any given time(remember you have to build up supplies in a frontline town to craft a flag!!).
The human resupply convois would be made up as admirality missions giving gold and maybe some Xp for traders taking the risks.
All additions to this idea are welcome ,it's just my idea on improving on the current situation.
S! fellow captains!