Thank you for such an indepth analysis of the two kits. I don't remember ever seeing anything like that here on the forum. So major kudos for your hard work!
Making a new model from scratch would eliminate several problems which may occur when combining the two kits, like fitting issues and matching the colours. It is possible to combine the two but it will require MUCH work and time. In addition, working with a proper CG model would make it easy to produce a fitting inner frame right from the start. Starfleet vessels look so attractive because of their fluent lines which almost look organic (Star Wars vessels are more angled and thus indeed easier to replicate). Those delicate lines need much care and a very well fitting support structure.
I totally agree that missing, incomplete and misleading instructions can suck the fun out of a build.
" Starfleet vessels look so attractive because of their fluent lines which almost look organic"
That's a very good point. I have a couple of Star Wars kits, and am looking forward to RAWEN's upcoming large-scale corvette/blockade runner (which will most likely have his well thought out instructions!), and one attraction to those kits is how easily a gap or fit problem plays well into the architecture.
Star Trek ships are smooth, detailed, and reflective of apex technology. Making a model of one is a challenge, even when tackling Klingon and merchant vessels, where perfection is less an issue.
I have respect for these authors. My critiques here was not to denigrate their efforts. The Nova class is an especially difficult example of curves, rounded shapes, and flush-fitting seems. I could not have produced what either of these designers did; their skill exceeds mine by far.
"I totally agree that missing, incomplete and misleading instructions can suck the fun out of a build."
I do wish authors valued their kits more. It must take a great deal of time and effort to design and compete these kits. With so much work, one would think that they would want their kits olive on and develope.
To produce instructions is an essential part of communicating the value of the kit. It not only promotes builds, but repaints, recolours, and even different versions.
Consider DWHALE's kits. His Vor'Cha class Klingon battlecruiser has spawns held a dozen versions, last I checked (one even pink for "Hello Kitty"!). I am not suggesting that every kit designer is skilled at instructions; that's a different, unique ability. But an author, if not skilled in instruction development, could coo-op with an interested party, providing their pdo and guidance for an invested party.
Thales is an example of a skilled model designer and instructions provider. His kits are examples to aspire to.
I haven't given up on these kits yet. I am considering how to figure out the size of the Clever kit, enlarging it to the PFS version. Except for the shuttle bay are, I think the foundation pf the PSF kit might work as a foundation for Clever-kit improvements. I am taking a few weeks away to mull over this possibility.
I have reached out to Bones several times, offering to develop instructions for his TAS Robot Freighter. He recreated a pdo of it but I can't separate the pieces enough to develop instructions. If he gets back to me, I will share.
I am also open to working with either of these authors. I would like to see their kits celebrated.
I can only hope that they share my enthusiasm.
If nothing else, I hope that this presentation helped any prospective builders get a heads-up before starting their builds. Maybe they can figure out solutions to some of the issues that I have raised, and share them? There are undoubtedly some more skilled builders out there than I, and they may have the solution to the puzzle that I have highlighted.
And now a random photo of an opossum that was stunning about my yard during the daylight. It has not relation to my theme; it was just unusual and worth sharing!
[No, he's not made of paper...]