I like the idea of adding variety to my game by adding different apparels, equipment and factions, but I absolutely hate the bloat it causes to my crafting lists and research trees. I have recently found a workaroud for that using Cherry Picker, which removes them from crafting lists and research lists, but still allow NPCs to use these new items.

But that's not a solution, because now there's more variety for the AI but not for me :^P

I hate the bloated lists mainly because there's no point in having 10 options for one same thing, you will always pick whatever is either avaliable or best. But... What if pawns demanded X?

The idea is to have pawns procedurally generate a list of apparel and equipment items that they want, based on their trait, backstory and whatever else can be mustered. If they don't wear or wield these things, their mood will become progressively worst.

This will give purpose to the bloated crafting list AND a twist on the balance, since now you won't be crafting only the best, but crafting what your pawn wants. Sure, a rifle would be the best choice, but your shooter wants a pistol, and you better give him one before he throws a thrantum.

The same can go for food. Each pawn can have a diet, things that they like and things that they don't.