(took a nap)
when I went back to the game, I decided to run the test a few more time, only using strategic combat instead of tactical. it took having to do the extra steps of pulling the battle fleet off the world, and moving it back in after the first wave, but anyway.
First test, first combat, same results, only I lost two more troops than in tactical
Second combat all the same except no corgo survived.
Second test same as tactical results, except after the second combat 7 mines survived. So, using the thought that strategic combat works the same in either turn-based or simultaneous games, then one should be able to capture mines in a simul game, provided there are enough of them to survive the ground combat part, and any planetary bombardment that may take place prior to troop drop.
Now, I am going to resume PLAYING this one.
Hope this endeavor helps the main bug chasers determine the correct and solid answer.
