diff --git a/GameSettings.cpp b/GameSettings.cpp
index 4ba69e16f..3791ae0c7 100644
--- a/GameSettings.cpp
+++ b/GameSettings.cpp
@@ -1428,6 +1428,11 @@ void LoadGameExternalOptions()
 	gGameExternalOptions.usLeadershipSubpointsToImprove		= iniReader.ReadInteger("Tactical Difficulty Settings","LEADERSHIP_SUBPOINTS_TO_IMPROVE", 25, 1, 1000 );
 	gGameExternalOptions.usLevelSubpointsToImprove			= iniReader.ReadInteger("Tactical Difficulty Settings","LEVEL_SUBPOINTS_TO_IMPROVE", 350, 1, 6500);
 
+	// rftr: optionally slow stat growth at 80+ and 90+. this gives more value to mercs with high base stats
+	gGameExternalOptions.ubMaxGrowthChanceAt80 = iniReader.ReadInteger("Tactical Difficulty Settings", "MAX_GROWTH_CHANCE_AT_80", 100, 1, 100);
+	gGameExternalOptions.ubMaxGrowthChanceAt90 = iniReader.ReadInteger("Tactical Difficulty Settings", "MAX_GROWTH_CHANCE_AT_90", 100, 1, 100);
+
+
 	// Alternate algorithm for choosing equipment level. Mostly disregards soldier's class and puts less emphasis on distance from Sector P3.
 	// SANDRO - moved into the game
 	//gGameExternalOptions.fSlowProgressForEnemyItemsChoice	= iniReader.ReadBoolean("Tactical Difficulty Settings", "SLOW_PROGRESS_FOR_ENEMY_ITEMS_CHOICE", TRUE);
diff --git a/GameSettings.h b/GameSettings.h
index 8ca4097e3..5bdeb6dcf 100644
--- a/GameSettings.h
+++ b/GameSettings.h
@@ -1149,6 +1149,10 @@ typedef struct
 	UINT16 usLeadershipSubpointsToImprove;
 	UINT16 usLevelSubpointsToImprove;
 
+	// rftr: optionally slow stat growth at 80+ and 90+. this gives more value to mercs with high base stats
+	UINT8 ubMaxGrowthChanceAt80;
+	UINT8 ubMaxGrowthChanceAt90;
+
 	// HEADROCK HAM B2.7: When turned on, this will give a CTH approximation instead of an exact value, on CTH Bars and "F" key feedback.
 	BOOLEAN fApproximateCTH;
 
diff --git a/Tactical/Campaign.cpp b/Tactical/Campaign.cpp
index 3da28dd61..d128fb751 100644
--- a/Tactical/Campaign.cpp
+++ b/Tactical/Campaign.cpp
@@ -305,6 +305,16 @@ void ProcessStatChange(MERCPROFILESTRUCT *pProfile, UINT8 ubStat, UINT16 usNumCh
 				usChance += (usChance * (pProfile->bWisdom + (pProfile->sWisdomGain / SubpointsPerPoint(WISDOMAMT, pProfile->bExpLevel)) - 50)) / 100;
 			}
 
+			// rftr: reduced growth rates at 80+ and 90+ (to make mercs with higher base stats more valuable)
+			if (bCurrentRating >= 90)
+			{
+				usChance = min(min(gGameExternalOptions.ubMaxGrowthChanceAt80, gGameExternalOptions.ubMaxGrowthChanceAt90), usChance);
+			}
+			else if (bCurrentRating >= 80)
+			{
+				usChance = min(gGameExternalOptions.ubMaxGrowthChanceAt80, usChance);
+			}
+
 /*
 			// if the stat is Marksmanship, and the guy is a hopeless shot
 			if ((ubStat == MARKAMT) && (pProfile->bSpecialTrait == HOPELESS_SHOT))