Ascension starbases are defenseless by design last I heard.Are
you sure the AI doesn't build ascension bases? The last few games I
played they did. You don't automatically see them through the fog of
war though, so it might appear as if the crystals are still unclaimed.
It always says that Ascension starbases have mods that can be installed, but it won't let a Constructor upgrade it. I think I can fix that pretty easily. I'm not saying the AI won't use them, I'm just saying they haven't in any game I have played.
As for the Terror Star subject... that was brought up a million times
during beta. They aren't meant to win games, they are meant to show off
your power. Although I have to admit, the speed IS slow - best way is
to assemble them near the star you want to blow up.
Then what is the point? I'd rather ignore the Terror Star techs and just attack people normally the way things are. I think they should move 1 space normally, and have upgrades (which require techs branching off of Terror Star IV) to be installed something like this:
Enhanced Terror Star Propulsion: +1 pc/wk, 500 bc
Advanced Terror Star Propulsion: +1 pc/wk, 800 bc
Superior Terror Star Propulsion: +2 pc/wk, 1000 bc
Ultimate Terror Star Propulsion: +2 pc/wk, 1200 bc
Supreme Terror Star Propulsion: +3 pc/wk, 1500 bc
I also notice that if I try to put a Terror Star in a fleet, the game crashes.