I really like the idea of the MI Institutions, but some of the abilities appear really expensive.

Two gate trophies for an expedition? I can't see how this would ever be chosen over buying an ally or becoming deputy (or even just getting clues from the Science Building).

Two clues for an Agent? You really need at least two agents to do anything. There are a lot of agent tokens provided, whcih implies they expect a lot of them to be used, but I can't see many situations where spending clues in this way would be a good use of resources.

Am I missing some non-obvious way in which these effects are far better than I realise? I'm thinking of halving these costs, so the abilities might at least see some use (since they are very thematic, and fun sounding).

Steve

It is widely agreed (at least from what I've seen on here) that the Bureau's "On the Case" ability was a staggering oversight on FFG's part and should not be used under any circumstances. Certainly, the "Launch an Expedition" ability is rather expensive, but in the right circumstances, it can be useful. Probably the biggest assets are that the Science Building is a fair distance from the Train Station (meaning it's often going to be easier to reach) and that moving using Expeditions does not cost money. Note that, unlike most trophy-costing abilities, it benefits all investigators instead of just one. It's also a necessity when you need to deal with certain effects (or, well, really just one effect: The Rails Are Washed Out). Also, consider its interaction with Miskatonic Student. If, for instance, Innsmouth is particularly effective, you can place an Expedition at Joe Sargent's Bus Service. The strongest fighter can take Miskatonic Student and go to the Expedition, where they can fight any monsters that move next to the vortex while continuously gaining clues. Yeah, this is a bit situational, but like I said, it effects everyone throughout the whole game. As such, it's sort of a gamble; by launching an Expedition, you're gambling the value of the trophies you lose versus the number of times that someone will need to use the Expedition. Although, of course, the trophies might be better spent on other Miskatonic abilities. Miskatonic Student and Alumnus are fantastic. The first usage of the Restricted Section is pretty decent, especially since Common Tomes are generally a LOT better than you would expect. The other usage, though is iffier, particularly considering the high cost. Imagine if you ended up spending two gate trophies for a Naacal Key or a Massa di Requiem per Shuggay....

No, you're not missing anything. Bureau is definitely too expensive. But I guess if things go completely haywire in Dunwich or Innsmouth you could toss some clues down in that town.

As for the University, really you should only be spending trophies on Student and then Alumnus.

The Bureau is definitely under-powered. Its cost is too expensive for what it does. When I draw them, I tend to alternate between using them as-is or using a variant that makes them slightly more powerful to make up for it.

The Bureau is definitely the weakest of the Institutions in both theme and effect. It's no wonder they're the least popular.