Okay, so, then follow-up question.
With variables, can i expose them in the inspector and change them dependant on what it is that i'm using it for?
for example, the weapons all have a "stats manager" FSM system on them to send data to and from the various weapon manager systems, player setup systems, button and key monitor system... but they all have unique names for the other FSMs in them.
If i were to use that as a template and use a string variable that's exposed in the inspector, would i then be able to just drop on the template, change the appropriate string (to point it to, say, the "handgun mechanis" or "grenade mechanism") and it'd behave?
i know i could just try it myself i guess... but i'm sure i won't be the last person to wonder about that.
EDIT: I did a test with a basic cube holding two float variables exposed to the inspector. The did hold unique values but when it said "Click to edit template" and i click it, it doesn't open up in the editor (it just gives me the "right click to add FSM" screen.) I tried using it from the template browser and still no dice. This is with the "use template" field in the inspector filled with the template i wanted to use (a new one saved like normal.)
EDIT2: Also did some testing with a basic template system (just a couple empty states and some variables exposed in the inspector) i added one cube with the template and kept the other original. i tried to test it to see if editing the FSM that the template was based off of would update the information to the other cube object with the instanced template used and it didn't take any new information. i tried saving the template to see if that would trigger it, all it did was the second cube that was using the instanced template dropped the template from it's "use template" field.
(please don't misunderstand. i am not doing this to cause trouble. In fact, what you're describing would be an amazing addition because it would save me a LOT of work and if this is just an issue of me not using it properly, knowing how would certainly help. i'm basically treading water here so i don't know if i'm doing something wrong or not. I'm saying this, however, because i've known some people online that took these kidns of critiques way too personally when that wasn't the intent of the critique.)