This suggestion is not meant to remove the current Workshop mechanics with Mark 5 items, quite the contrary, it only gives the alternative way of obtaining them.
Minimal programming tweaks are required, so to speak. Also, all blueprints in existence should be available to buy with credits.
Current loyalty system works like this:
We can upgrade an item in the Workshop to Mark 5, if we have the desired blueprint.
First, we buy a Mark 1 version, then we use loyalty vouchers and credits to upgrade it to Mark 2, same goes for Mark 3 and Mark 4.
The only difference is the rising loyalty and credit price. The Kits are gone now.
Nothing would change in that regard, except when it comes to Mark 5 upgrades.
Example: (Workshop - the shortcut with resources - manufacture the Mark 5 variant instantly)
Suggestion:
Alternative option 1: (Research Module option - slot)
You can start a Mark 5 upgrade Module Research only, when you have a Mark 4 variant in the Module Research slot first.
Mark 5 research version should have a higher loyalty voucher and credit cost, but should work exactly the same as with the other any previous upgrades.
Loyalty cost should be increased by 25%, compared to Mark 4 version.
Credit cost should be increased by 100%, compared to Mark 4 version.
GS (paying) option for Mark 5 is also possible now, depending on the progress of the research. More research means less GS.
Alternative option 2: (Research Module option - slot)
You can start a Mark 5 upgrade Module Research only, when you have a Mark 4 variant in the Module Research slot first.
If you upgrade with this option, you will not have to use any common or rare resources, but you will need only monocrystals, loyalty vouchers and credits.
Loyalty cost should be increased by 25%, compared to Mark 4 version.
Credit cost should be increased by 100%, compared to Mark 4 version.
The amount of monocrystals required to upgrade immediately to a Mark 5 variant, is calculated based your progress of the research. More research means less monocrystals.
GS (paying) option can also apply here.
Amount of monocrystals that is mandatory to invest is always 10%-20% of the base requirement value and not less.