Enhance MekHQ: Implement 'Hide Mothballed' Feature

Streamlining Unit Management in MekHQ

Let's talk about making life easier for MechWarriors and campaign managers in MekHQ! The current system has a small hiccup. Right now, when you're managing your units, the only way to filter out mothballed equipment is through the "Unit Type" dropdown, selecting "All Active Units." This works, but it isn't the most streamlined approach, and it can be a hassle when you're dealing with a large company. What if we could filter out mothballed units directly within the current display? That's the idea, and it's a good one.

The core of the problem lies in the limited filtering options. You're essentially stuck with a choice between seeing everything, including mothballed units, or seeing only active units. When running a campaign, you're usually focusing on your active units. You're not always concerned with the mothballed mechs and equipment unless you're planning a replacement. Having to sift through a long list of both active and mothballed units can be time-consuming and, frankly, unnecessary for day-to-day operations. This feature request is about refining the user experience, making it more efficient and less cluttered. It's about giving players more control over what they see and when they see it. Adding a simple "Hide Mothballed" checkbox would dramatically improve the experience for players managing their units. This is a small change that could have a big impact on the overall feel of the game.

Imagine this: you're in the middle of a tense campaign. You need to quickly assess your available units. With the current system, you have to scroll through a long list, with many entries you don't need at that moment. But, with the "Hide Mothballed" option, that list becomes concise, focused, and immediately useful. You can see your active assets at a glance, allowing you to make quicker, more informed decisions. It's about saving time, reducing frustration, and enhancing the overall enjoyment of the game. It’s about focusing on what matters most during your campaign. This feature could be a real game-changer for those who enjoy the intricate details of running a military company within the world of BattleTech. This simple addition can contribute to a more immersive and enjoyable experience.

Adding this feature aligns perfectly with the goal of improving the MekHQ suite. It would make it much easier to navigate and interact with the game. This will save players time and it can also cut down on unnecessary scrolling. When you're running a campaign, every second counts. Streamlining the interface can help players make quicker decisions and stay immersed in the game.

The "Hide Mothballed" Enhancement: A Closer Look

Let's drill down into what this enhancement actually entails. The core idea is simple: introduce a checkbox, labeled "Hide Mothballed," within the Hangar Manager interface. When this box is checked, the display filters out all units and equipment that are currently mothballed. This provides a clear, focused view of only the active assets available for deployment and management.

Currently, the only way to filter mothballed units is to select "All Active Units" from the "Unit Type" dropdown menu. While this achieves the same result, it's a clunkier approach. It means the user has to remember to change the filter every time they want to view only active units. The proposed feature removes this extra step, and offers a more intuitive workflow. The "Hide Mothballed" checkbox streamlines the process and allows the player to quickly switch between views with a simple click.

The benefit of this feature is particularly evident in larger campaigns with many units. Trying to find a specific mech or piece of equipment when both active and mothballed items are displayed can be like searching for a needle in a haystack. The checkbox would instantly reduce clutter and make it easier to find what you're looking for. This will improve a player's focus on the campaign.

The red highlight in the image attached to the request showcases precisely where this enhancement could be implemented. It blends seamlessly into the existing interface, without disrupting the overall layout. This design choice highlights the thought that has gone into the functionality of the user interface. It makes the feature easy to find and use. This is crucial for user adoption and satisfaction.

Use Cases and Rationale

While the original request didn't include specific use cases or a rationale, the benefits of this enhancement are clear. Let's explore some scenarios where this feature would be particularly valuable:

• Campaign Management: Imagine you're a company commander planning your next operation. You need to know which units are available for deployment, immediately. The "Hide Mothballed" checkbox allows you to quickly see your active forces, without being distracted by those awaiting maintenance or repair.
• Resource Allocation: When managing resources, you need to understand which units require support. Being able to quickly filter the display by