[Krsqk]

The rationale is that it takes only seven turns to fully train your ships, and that extra 40% to hit makes a big difference.

code:

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                    You           Enemy

ECM                 n/a            60%

Stealth Armor       n/a            15%

Scattering Armor    n/a            15%

Combat Sensor       65%            n/a

----------------------------------------

                   +65%           -90%  = -25%

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At point blank range, you have a 75% chance to hit. At range 6 (Meson BLaster max), you have 25% to hit. At range 8 (APB max), you have 5% to hit. Fully trained ships add 40% to hit, which makes a big difference. Even four turns of training makes up for all but 1% of the defensive advantage he has. As it is, you've obviously had success with the strategy you've adopted, which goes to show there's more than one way to skin a cat.