[rdouglass]

It could have something to do with the fact that damage accumulates on the same component untill destroyed. It has been discussed in other threads (can't remember which ones).

IIRC, the basic is that if a component is not destroyed, each subsequent hit will continue to add damage to that same component. So, if the NullSpace cannon (120 points) hits a 150 point weapon / component (other than shield or armor), then the component is not destroyed (it still has 30 points left untill destruction). Then comes along a standard weapon with lets say 40 points, fires and hits; the damage will be applied to the Last hit component (if not destroyed). At least that's kinda' how I remember it.

I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm mistaken...