I like the idea of using resources to directly upgrade your current equipment. Sounds like it would be faster and cheaper than fully researching new tech, and then manufacturing new gear.
I also like the idea of dismantling equipment scavenged from missions to produce other resources. Say you dismantle those 5 plasma rifles to get Alenium and Alloys. Then you can use those to upgrade your current armour or weapons.
I'm less enthusiastic about rare items and drops tho; especially if it involves overly complicating the research and manufacturing process. It sounds like it could be a time consuming and expensive task to implement, and resulting in unrewarding and grindy gameplay.
I'm also concerned about item bloat, like Comrade mentioned above. X1 has a nice feature where all those weapons, bodies, etc. are sold immediately when the mission ends. Adding components for crafting could add a layer of micromanaging that I don't really care for. Can we sell these components? Do I have to divert resources from Engineering to break them down? Do I have to break them down myself? Do I have to memorize a another crafting recipe tree?
Maybe if rare drops were fully functional gear, and ready to use (research required) then I think it could work. For example:
Alien leaders in large ufo's and bases could carry rare guns or ammo. The drop would be guaranteed but difficult to get. The leader has an extra powerful plasma rifle, but you still need to research plasma weapons to use it.
Maybe there could be special missions that randomly appear where the player is given a chance to raid a hidden supply depot or something. Success gives the player some rare equipment like a new gun for the aircraft. "Local forces in New Mexico report increased alien activity at this location. We request Xenonaut ground forces to investigate."
I'd also like to see rare drops (especially drops carried by ground troops) to have bonuses other than stat buffs. Maybe that plasma rifle carried by the alien leader can also behave like a grenade launcher, or it carries a pistol that can fire a couple of light rockets, etc.
