This is a reply I posted to another thread, but I would like to bring up access issue separately to see if there is any feedback....
One issue for defenders is getting to the location, those in the org that owns towers have quick access but for many locations it requires a long trip often involving several zones in grid/whompa/area which to means lots of "I CRASHED" messages in chat. It seems reasonable that certain zones should be harder to get to and those generally have the higher level bases. FC gave fixers the team fixer grid option in all likelyhood it is intended that to be a class feature for base defense but honestly fixers are already being hounded for NCU buffs also requiring them to be in a team. The attackers have element of surprise so even with good organization, unless you have a defense force just sitting on their ass waiting to be deployed, timing conflicts make it difficult to expect everyone to get the free ride. Fixers (and really every class) are also key to the battle and leaving one waiting at the grid to give access is a waste. FC has made this in some ways too realistic in concept, as a real military force would have troops on alert and ready for immediate deployment, this is ridiculous in a game. Already hard enough to keep up interest in game especially high level.
I don't know what the answer to this issue may be; maybe offering an access point to controller menu for side only defenders that opens only when a base in under attack. Maybe could be worked out so that if teamed with someone from defending org the grid point to controller would allow for access to that base, allowing guild members who may not be of level to aid in defense, either too high or low, to provide access. Really I do not know. Only other way is offering grid access to all playfields at all times, maybe with 3rd tier grid comp lit reqs so it is still access requiring some skill. But currently with server and client instability combined with simple fact that defenders are already generally occupied elsewhere gathering a strong defense is difficult.
Oh, also is good point Hypos about notification of attacks being way too inadequate, late messages are a big issue as well as only notifying top position in guild of "all towers" attacks. I feel all members of one side should have option to be alerted if any bases on their side of conflict are threatened, in the state of technology suggested in this game that would be most likely to occur. Maybe leave notification of leaders only about all actions offensive and defensive since that would make sense that everyone would not necessarily know of them.