I really LOVE complex but scriptless mechanisms like yours! 1st because I am a scripting noob xD 2nd because it is much more intelligence behind it - when scripting looks a bit like cheating(I have respect of good scripters - no doubt!), in comparison to it, your work looks like a fair play and good hard work!
oh an idea (but i really have no idea too realize such a script):
perhaps you could use the air-friction-multiplier and program it on that way, that the multiplicator raises continously per lowering the distance to the planet/object.
I dont want to lie - I am an absolute loser in scripting - even if you tell me what to to - it is too much to understand, I hate to memorize all of the commands and also the principle of: "tiny mistake = everything goes wrong/nothing works". Could anyone implement the script-formula suggested by s_noonan, please? =D
It is a marvelous work but I think do not make the next one under the influence of gravity because:
1: it is much more work for you to make it "go round" - and even not to fall down.
2: when i see such "lifeforms" i always think to look fro the top down onto it - like i am looking through a microscope.
That means the gravity would pull everything into the top-down-depth but in Algodoo is no depth of course, only up down left right - ergo you don't need to take care of any gravity pull.
Create your next "beast" in zero gravity, please. ( I know it is your decision and only a suggestion by me)
Do you think to be able to invent an self replicating lifeform (that "eats" the parts that it needs to double itself) ???
Just one accomplished duplication (it should not be too laggy) would be a masterpiece of work!