what if instead of spys players were allowed to roll for resarch where they could only get research the country they have picked has, so if they role for a tech they dont have they rerole until they get a tech of the nation they are spying on?
Im sorry but this is not clear. Make an example.
Spies: These cost 10 IPC each and can be assigned in secret to any specific enemy player’s technology category (land, sea or air). If that player decides to develop a technology in this category and it succeeds, the spy may be revealed and the spy gets to roll obtaining technology on a roll of 4-6. Note: the Soviet player is the only player that can send spies to his own allies and they cost 5 IPC. Only one spy per technology category.
Counter Spy: Each player may buy a super spy which can be used to eliminate the enemy spy but this is also assigned to a specific technology category (land, sea or air) to any technologies that can be developed. The counter spy rolls 4-6 and he succeeds and the original spy is removed. If he fails he remains in place. Only one counter spy per technology category can be assigned.
So you spend 10 IPC and assign the spy to a specific type of technology. If the player develops that specific technology, your spy gets a roll and gets it for your nation of 4-6. Of course the other side may have a counter spy, but he too must secretly be allocated to a SPECIFIC technology section. If he was applied to another section then no roll is even performed to try to eliminate the first spy. Each time a spy succeeds in getting the Tech, he is removed and another must be bought. If the counter spy fails he remains in place.
IN no cases can the spy or counter spy re reassigned to another technology category.