Geo-
For the record, when I mention playing definsively, it does not mean I don't give my foe anything to worry about. It means I don't waste ships on minefields, and don't commit ships to fights I can't reasonably win. I like to invite the other player to make these mistakes.
What you say is true; but it is true whether you play agressively or defensively. Your ships need to be able to effectively compete, whether early or later in the game.
Being able to constrain your oponnent's expansion takes a bit ok luck, after all. One shouldn't enter a contest hoping for such things with a weak hand.
[ February 01, 2003, 01:10: Message edited by: Stone Mill ]