Further feedback on the development system - it would probably be better to condense the network of endless tab pages on the car parts development.
I understand the neatness of separating characteristics, overview, production and upgrade but really as a user its a pain clicking so many times on one part let alone every part. I think it would be better on one page, or at least offer that option.
Same for mounting parts, the old layout was far simpler and superior. Now it's unnecessarily more clicks for no obvious gain.
I have to concur with many of the viewpoints on here. Having a setback is so time consuming and demoralising, however, you have to run the gauntlet just to get the 'reveal upgrade mileage' low before confirming your design.
Starting late in Season 30 I am nearly 3 weeks later in with 2 part designs to go before I can even add them to my production queue.
I am now facing a dilemma:
1. Mount the available parts for 1 car only by Saturday (tomorrow) - to at least throw some test mileage at 1 car to start developing. The downside is that by mounting the parts, I have have a huge mechanic points deficit, so I won't have a 2nd car ready for the 1st race. I have been prioritising production of parts for 1 car only - numerous parts will still need to be made for the 2nd car.
2. Scrap any form of testing and just wait and wait - mount 2 cars worth in 1 go, but not be able to make any upgraded parts for ages as my negative Mechanic points will be so high.
Something needs to give to stop this becoming a slog and impossible for a new player to even be remotely competitive - and I am not even new - this is my 4th or 5th attempt to play this game long term - the longest spell was in Pitwall 1 before the crash which had a much better system and I felt as if I made progress.
Either...
1. Give brand new players a basic car, produced and mounted so they can at least attack the next season with a fair chance
2. Adapt the points values to make the development system interesting and things can happen faster.
Also...
I absolutely 100% agree that a setback should not leave you with a worse part as your base level. I would not think of throwing away plans for my baseline part and use my new crappier version! It is simple A/B testing. Have your control, test the new. If the new is better, that's your new baseline! Especially when you go to try and upgrade it tells you the risk is non existent!