One of the most effective counters to the TEC starbase's red button is to build culture centers. Starbases under the influence of hostile cultures cannot use their abilities, RB being among them. This has been proven in skilled multiplayer matches, where a majority of the pros use this tactic to great effect. However, recent events have caused me to question this long-standing belief. I have recently learned that certain researches can counter the fearsome TEC ability more effectively than culture centers ever could.
Take for example the advent and vasari superweapons. The deliverance engine shoots out a beam of culture from the targeted planet, effectively acting as a superior culture center. This means that you are no longer limited to disabling just the starbases that border your empire. The Kostura cannon on the other hand inflicts damage AND disables all buildings in a gravwell for ~15 minutes, allowing you to easily destroy anything in the gravwell.
Based on this evidence, I think the majority of the community must conclude that the age old tactic of using culture centers to counter RB is very antiquated. A superior option exists.
I notice some people do not believe/know culture affects use of starbase abilities. I will link a handy replay of a skilled MP game showcasing it. Here you go:
http://www.2shared.com/file/Hvt1KEwO/AutoRecord-05182008.html?
Make sure to skip to 1:34:54 to see it in action. Watch how the team 1 player prevents the other team from using a critical red button to turn the tide of battle. Amazing stuff!
