This paper proposes an approach to assessing generator connection requests that seeks to enhance flexibility and transparency by trading network reinforcement to accommodate generation against operational constraints on the generator that can reduce the required network reinforcement. The impact of dispersed generation and the passing on of costs to generators is briefly discussed. The trade-off concept is introduced and there is supplementary discussion of nondespatchable generation and the monitoring and control of generators. A method of evaluating generator connections is proposed and an example illustrates the resultant choice faced by generators. Finally, some conclusions are draw