Currently espionage is rather expensive (500 metal for 15 s) and not very useful. This patch doubles the duration (from 15 s to 30 s) and makes all Support units bribable (instead of only Traders and Merchant Ships). This won't distort the current balance, but does make this mechanic more interesting.
Ideas that go further:
- Sharply reduce the cost (e,g. 200 metal).
- Greatly increase the duration (to at least 60 s).
- Make all units bribable (except animals, catafalques, and heroes).