For the morale events currently used in Outpost 2, you can check morale.txt:
KID_DIES -8
ADULT_DIES -6
KID_BORN 2
GOOD_BUILD_DIES -16
REG_BUILD_DIES -12
NEW_TECH_BORN 6
DISASTER_NO_WARN -6
DISASTER_WARNED -3
CONSUMER_GOODS_1 8
CONSUMER_GOODS_2 14
CONSUMER_GOODS_3 20
ENEMY_GOOD_DIES -800 // This is why completely destroying an enemy base is so bad for your morale
ENEMY_BAD_DIES 20
ENEMY_VEH_DIES 2
TECH_SCHOOL 2
PHD_TRAINED 2
CC_BORN 10
For the C&C (Red Alert) comment, I didn't mean rush with an MCV, although that is an option, particularly if someone is on a different island. You also wouldn't deploy right inside their base if using an MCV. Instead, you'd deploy a little outside their base and build defenses that slowly encroach on their base. Alternatively, if on the same island, you can build a string of turrets over to their base, and then buildup on the edge. If they're far away, and you want to build your string of buildings faster and cheaper, you can use silos instead (I'm thinking Red Alert here), and then switch to turrets once you're close to their base. The more usual approach though, is to use an engineer to take over a building in their base. It doesn't matter what, you just need an established presence there, and then you can begin deploying turrets around that building. It works great as a surprise assault when you can get some fortifications up before they realize what's going on. The first turret can be pre-built, waiting deployment, when you take over the building. It's also great for multiplayer levels with islands since you can use the Chinook helicopters to transport infantry, and so pop into some unexpected corner of their base with a load of engineers. It's a dirty underhanded tactic, but that's what makes it so fun. ;)
As for simplifying the structure build process, why not make it more complicated instead? You could have a cargo truck deliver the kit to the construction site, while the convec shows up to build it. ;)
As for the Gore Vidal quote, it's classic envy of the worst kind. You want all the successes to be your own, and relish in other people encountering setbacks. It's taken to the point where even the successes of friends can't be celebrated, while setbacks are celebrated (secretly). It was a cynical comment about human nature. For instance, a disaster hits an allied base instead of your own, and so your morale goes up. ;)