Re: Full Thrust 3 rules

Phillip E. Pournelle wrote:
> 
> Hello,
>	  A few of us played a game using the new Fleet Book
construction rules.
> While I believe that the new construction rules are better, they are
not
> completely balanced.	The real issue comes regarding the mass of the
ship
> you are attacking.
...snip...JTL
>	  Phil P.

     Speaking as one of the abused, I must first give credit where
credit is due, Phil did a very good job of SML/SLM (whatever) 
placement.   
     Now to the comments:
1) In a straight (from the Fleet Book (FB)) battle, the SMLs have the 
effect of being a 'limited use' nova cannon (up to 6D6 of unmodified
damage).   IMHO, this seems to be a wee bit over the top!   After all,
one isn't likely to miss to often considering the area covered by
four SMLs in a square pattern spaced at 4 inches. (16 in. X 16 in. 
square).
2) The other side of the coin.	 In a 'design your own' FB battle the
SMLs have no value at all!   They are easly defeated by using cheap
throw away scout level craft as a damage sponge!
3) In a normal meeting enguagement, the SMLs will be able to get off 
two shots each on a closing force.
4) The SMLs are far to 'smart' a weapon for the cost involved.
How about this for a rotten suggestion:  Place a mass 1 SML warhead
on a FT missile and fly it around for three turns?   It has a 
potential damage of 6D6 vs 2D6 for the normal missile.	(A FT MIRV?)
6) I now understand the change to the six fire arcs, future ships
are being shipped with standard manufactured plastic bases.
7) I am goin to miss the SSDs.	 They were a great help in introducing
newcomers to the game (visual appeal and ID value).  The line drawings
are nice, as are the 'ship service history' sections.
8) I feel that 'all' ships will wind up at thrust 5 (or 6), and with
this as a fact of life the need for small (escorts/cruisers) ships is
gone.

Standing bye for a verbal barrage,

Bye for now,
John L.