The standard dumb EC + Drain question

[cjeris]

I'm sure this question is asked frequently (although I didn't find it via a search) so I'll try to be quick and clear.

A (non-Defense) power in an EC is subject to double effect from Drains, solely because it's in an EC and the base cost and power slot are drained once each. Correct?

If correct, could you give me a quick summary of the design rationale? Is it a necessary game balance thing, to counter the fact that a 60-point EB 12d6 bought in an EC with four other 60-point powers effectively costs only 36 points? Or is there another reason I don't see?

[Steve Long]

The rules in question are on 5E 204. It's not a question of "double effect," it's a question of the Drain affecting both the base cost and the individual slots at once.

I don't discuss design philosophy questions here; this is just for rules questions. There are lots of folx ready and willing to talk about system philosophy stuff in "HERO System Discussion," tho. ;)