SE4 Rating Games VI has ended by, quite surprisingly, a victory for the Arcadia League. (That is to say, my side) This time, training and sensors weren't forgotten. *Winks at Geoschmo*
We both had economical problems in the early game, but Loser was more efficient on this field in the short run. (He was first until turn 50 or so) However, in the long run, his initial edge wasn't enough. His strategy would have worked as he tried to invade my worlds, if it wasn't for a minefield deployed two turns before. I am not sure though what would have happened if I did need to commit what little forces I had by then. (A few Light Carriers with the mighty DUC)
After turn 50, my economic was in a much better shape, including enough research centers to... erh, research at a good pace. Not much happened then, until turn 70 or so when I launched a few skirmishes against his worlds, protected by minefields. My attacks were delayed a bit as I waited for minesweepers (three or four times enough to sweep any minefield), and during this pause, Loser built a warfleet in a border system while also trying to steal some of my damaged ships in his worlds. (The stolen ship was "recovered" nevertheless by an interceptor built for speed, only one sector away from the closest Space Yard. But this ship wouldn't have given much, only Fighters technology)
As one would have expected, the first and only main battle took place in the turn 85 or so, at a warp-point when Loser tried to invade my worlds for the second time. And although I had both a technological edge and a tactical position, the combat was a close one, leading to the destruction of a good portion of my fleet stationated there. But it also meant Loser had only a few warships available after this battle, and certainly not enough to fight off on multiple fronts.
As for the maps, there were quite a few exposed systems in both our sides, meaning defense was a problem. And I would tend to believe the map was gentler with me than with him, as there were not many breathable planets available in his side of the galaxy, and no moons.
Still, it was a close game, especially at the begining. Thank you for the game Loser.
