Old 100% Minus Model
So far it seems all ideas and suggestions still revolve around the concept that practically ALL of Gamma should be subject to Terraforming and Base Building MINUS certain limitations (e.g. terminal caps, minimum distance to terraform around teleports, cpu & grid constraint, etc).
Perhaps Devs should begin at an entirely new starting point.
New Zone Terraforming Concept
Others have mentioned creating designated spots on Gamma where terminals are placed. I believe this idea stems from the issues with terminal caps. But dictating an exact spot for base and terminal placement leaves little room for creativity. Expanding on this concept however, perhaps entire geographical zones can be designated on Gamma where it's essentially free-for-all base building and terraforming. These zones can be 'islands' within the island.
As long as the Island Zones are themselves large enough and spaced away from each other it should allow for Creative Design and ample Defense of the Zone, while still permitting non-resident Pirates and Hostiles to enter the Gamma Island freely and roam for miners and whatever.
Under this Concept Model only ~30% of Gamma would be terraformable, maybe less. But there needs to be plenty of room for aggressors. And even if defenders walled off every zone an aggressor need only dig far enough into one corner to place his own terminal for offense.
No terminal caps necessary. Nor are slope limitations as important. Keep both single tile and beacon terraforming. And forget the CPU/Grid limitations ...if Defender wants 1000 turrets to protect his Island Zone, so be it as long as he cannot effectively Turtle the WHOLE Gamma Island and block Teleports.
Further, Zones should still be on Peninsulas and Shorelines (for better defense) as well as smack in the middle of the island (for refuge and logistics).
If you Devs have your own Vision for what you want Gamma to look like, then design the islands how you want them and then add pockets of sand for us to shovel.
