[PvK]

Yes, I think Q is correct. I think the only reason a ship will close to PDC range rather than max weapon range, is if the longer-ranged weapons can't fire that turn (reloading).

I also suspect (not sure) the "don't fire on fighters" setting also will not prevent a ship from using its main weapons on fighters - I think it only prevents them from moving the ship to attack fighters. If fighters happen to come in range of main weapons, and the main weapons have no other targets that turn, I think they will fire at the fighters.

PvK