Good thoughts in this topic. Some of mine:
I think that if a sector is mined, then NO ships should be able to go through without risk. (How do the mines tell friendlies from unfriendlies?) That would make mining a warp point a double-edged sword, so to speak.
Alternatively, let's assume that the mines use some sort of secret code that lets friendlies pass through unharmed. OK, then that code should be susceptible to Intelligence Operations. And, at a deeper level, the code that lets the mine owner change the pass-through code should also be susceptible to Intel Ops, so that one could "steal" a minefield. (And the previous owner wouldn't know it until his ships enter and go BOOM! Hehehe ... how's that for poetic justice?)
Another thing: mines should attack all ships in a fleet evenly, or maybe according to size. They shouldn't gang up on the ships one at a time, destroying some while leaving others unscathed. Just how smart are these mines anyway?
A question: is it possible to clear a 200-mine minefield by sending in 200 fighters (on a suicide mission, obviously, but they don't have to know that)? That would be radical but effective. Plus it would be a good way to get rid of malcontents.
