Actually, here's how I used the strat: I blew up every system that was currently weakly inhabited or "buffer" systems that I could control temporarily. . . I didn't use it as an instant death-blow precisely because I figured this would be useless for PBW. As a very new player(I just got this *and* TWE for Christmas) I've been searching for the same techniques that were so useful in MOOII- optimization strategies.
Blowing the suns of "buffer" systems means that you *always* get a serious advance warning that your opponants are mounting a counter-attack, as even the fastest ships in un-modded SE:IV cannot cross from one warp point to another without being detected, if not intercepted and destroyed
This is not an inconsiderable advantage when fighting an extended war- plus, as you take systems that aren't particularily nice. . . you can destroy them, too, and thus rid yourself of a system you can't afford to adequately defend
and leave future opponants with an even longer rush distance. . .
So it's not about supplies. . . which quite frankly, I've never run out of, even in extended campaigns. . . it's about creating distance, denying resources/future gains, and denying your opponants the ability to surprise you while you continue to optimize your tech.
Needless to say, this ain't a "rush" strat. It takes a certain amount of both luck and pre-planning your tech tree to a high degree.
Re: Stellar Manipulation
Threaded Mode