The way the scout plays in OP2 now... the only use I have for it is sticking it by enemy spawn points on the corners of the map to tell me when the enemy is coming. Some also use it as a makeshift kamikazie vehicle, but I'm not nearly that coordinated at the game speeds I play (6-8).
Since presumably the scout is a remote sensor package, it needs abilities to fulfill this role. Remote sensing (reading status lights) is a natural addition to the scout's function, since one can say the remote operators are looking through the camera eyes to see what buildings have their interior lights on, etc.
Detecting mine fields can also happen as one can assume scouts are equipped with Electro-magnetic sensors that detect shifts in the planet's electromagnetic field. A field of small, metallic objects that have faint power emitting from them are likely to show up on such a sensor.
Another idea to propose (Probably for the Robo-Surveyor?) is locating fault lines. Instead of making quakes random, why not have areas called 'fault lines' where they happen more frequently? A robo surveyor or scout parked there would give early warnings of quakes.
There are a lot of ideas abound for combat units, but no so much for the civilian vehicles. Since the Scout can be a civilian vehicle, why not also think up non-combat options for players who play peacefully?
