We have recently recieved clarification as to the nature of CCU'ing (Cross Chassis Upgrading) from the Herald.
CCU's is designed to switch from one base model to another, transferring package and LTI etc..
http://www.reddit.com/r/starcitizen/com ... inquiry_3/
In light of this, I would strongly recommend you buy one or two Heralds on day one, using credit, melt it as soon as you can, and rinse repeat until the sale ends.
Each buy "generates" a new ship ID, which goes into your hangar log. This will make it possible for customer service to "unmelt" it down the track when you need it.
Why do this?
For one thing, CIG customer support has indicated that as models become AC ready, CCU's will be released for them. This means you could, conceivably generate a LTI Hornet from a Herald.
One thing's for sure - buying some, melting etc.. won't cost you any more than building one and will generate enough LTI's for you to unmelt for you to be pretty pleased if things go in that direction.
Here's an example, using the reclaimer.
Oct 11 2014, 3:11 am - Standalone Ship - Aegis Reclaimer - LTI #2617242 - Reclaimed by Jethro_E7 for $350.00 USD
Oct 03 2014, 3:04 pm - Standalone Ship - Aegis Reclaimer - LTI #2617242 - Created by Jethro_E7 from order #OFXWCGM4LS514
Oct 03 2014, 3:02 pm - Standalone Ship - Aegis Reclaimer - LTI #2615290 - Reclaimed by Jethro_E7 for $350.00 USD
Oct 02 2014, 12:03 pm - Standalone Ship - Aegis Reclaimer - LTI #2615290 - Created by Jethro_E7 from order #V54DGRCH4TVCS
Oct 02 2014, 12:02 pm - Standalone Ship - Aegis Reclaimer - LTI #2613424 - Reclaimed by Jethro_E7 for $350.00 USD
Oct 01 2014, 12:02 pm - Standalone Ship - Aegis Reclaimer - LTI #2613424 - Created by Jethro_E7 from order #7OBB6U1DXCPB6
The above would allow me to unmelt another two Reclaimers. It's a good backup.