What about interactive Tactical Combat ?

[AMF]

Hullu said:
I think a combat simulator would be a bad thing.
...People would use it in MP to optimize and calculate odds.

You know, I agree with that concern, and it worries me also. But the real reason I would like one is to understand the strengths of units, and how the various characteristics interact and make a difference. I mean, I can read about what precision 15, or strength 5, or spell X and spell Y mean, but I really don't have a good intuitive sense...maybe I'm just alone in this, but what I would use a simulator for is to educate myself about things like that.

I think what I'm really talking about is an Arena, where I can see how a few units of my choosing can stack up against a few other units of my choosing.

So, I guess that is my revised suggestion: how about a Arena Simulator, or a "Gladitorial Pit" where we can pit one or two of our chosen heroes against some other heroes. Maybe it could be made in-game, so that I can issue a challenge to other players or the AI empires and send 1-3 of my heroes against theirs - they would choose who they send...and the losers die. Just like the Arena event, but between two empires, and there is no concrete reward except the death of your enemies...

Just thinking out loud, I haven't thought through the ramifications. But it sounds fun.