I think we need to take a page out of Supreme Commander's book. Take a look at the usage of particle systems in there, not only for flame trails but also weapon usage.
In addition the smoke trails from the rockets need some work. The leading trail is far too rigid and wooden. It's the way its being modelled at the moment that's the problem.
This is a request to modders, and not just the main designers. It needs improvement. Most people's machines can handle an increased number of particles. I mean at the moment, a commander going off causes only a little lag and that uses a huge number of particles, but apart from that theres only very, very sparse usage.
Instead of balancing and rebalancing and tweaking each mod, then claiming its a highly balanced pack to make people download it (only to make another 10 changes to the balance over a succession of re-releases) try to improve the actual visual quality of the models.
That's my two cents. Please don't flame and I understand that you guys work as hard as you can! I just think that some of the problems I can see with the game (though, not problems - just things not looking as good as they should do) I had to state.
