You can also build a Stinger farm and waste mass even if the Stinger behind can not fire :D
You can waste mass if you dig for oil to hide your com from sonar planes ...
You can suck your allies metal by upgrading your Com early and build 1000 nano turrets ...
There are so many ways to play it in the wrong way.
I think the unlocks should be unlocked by awards that you can win with battles against different AIs who are vulnerable by your currently newest unlocks.