The real problem is that even though your suggestion is simpler, it's not balanced. Flights that come with ships are paid for in the mothership's cost and therefore the mothership is often weaker or easier to kill than other ships of the same PL. Therefore there has to be some give and this is where the paid/free flight debate comes in.Ripple said:Went and re-read it before commenting.
On the fighter thing... I hate that it's being said that there was no other choice. Other choices were presented, the closest one to the current rule was that you add up all dead fighters at the end of a game and count flights up to the number of wings purchased for VPs, exactly as if a ship of the appropriate level.
Would have removed record keeping for all but campaign games. Would have removed the odd distinction of 'suicide' ship launched fighters and 'valuable' purchased fighters. How often do we have to see flights running for the corner to preserve a vp or two while a dozen other flights attack, or even odder, ships specifically attacking only purchased flights while surrounded by a swarm of 'free' flights.
Overall pretty good, though I still think the Halik variant will make a lot of bore sighted fleets completely helpless. Just how does a Drazi player attack a Brakiri player now. Range control is much easier for the Brakiri or you might have a good chance of sniping one or two out.
Although it's a little annoying, there's no more bookkeeping than a player has to do right at this very moment.