[AngleWyrm]

Yes, this problem is one of granularity. In "real-time" games, the same situation is reduced to smaller steps, so that it becomes less visible to us. The range change is eliminated (removing the value of combat movement), but the first strike could reduce enemy firepower.

Simultaneous fire could make first-strike disappear as a combat issue, but I'm not sure that is a good model. First strike is an important characteristic of war, and to even the playing field by eliminating it's advantage is deceptive. Sci-fi explanations can be used to justify any point of view.

Movement during combat, the ability of a player to change the range to his advantage. If we redefine movement so that there is no advantage to the mover, then weapon range has less value. Fastest ship decides if they will have a combat, and the entire combat is fought at simultaneous range; that process could be simplified to just fight at best damage ratio range of the fastest ship.