And this is always assuming that "it's not supposed to be a combat scenario", which is the (legitimate?) claim made by many in this very thread.
If it's meant to turn into one at player's desire, on the other hand, it also needs to be better as a combat scenario, as the OP is suggesting.
I think this is a great summary Tuco. I'm not going to try to read Larian's minds/intentions, but the current design feels conflicted.
If the Arcane Turrets are not supposed to be a combat encounter, but rather a "trap" to be bypassed, than they shouldn't be so easily destroyed AND offer 50 XP per turret (x4).
For comparison, the Gith Patrol gives 60 XP per person, and powering up the tower offers a total of 25 XP. Destroying them is currently by far the more rewarding approach (you can't go back to destroy them for XP after shutting them down).
If they are meant to be a combat encounter, than I think they should be made more fun and interesting than a 100% guaranteed victory, where the only cost is the player's time. It should be run like a proper encounter (i.e. initiative, etc). Maybe the encounter is eventually meant to be the missing "enemies can use Readied Action" tutorial or something.
