ok I see your points, let me counter.
A deadly first strike is worth its weight in gold because all those 30 turns with DUC is useless if your fighters get taken out with each turns worth of PDC's
If you swarm and kill 90% of his forces in the first strike let your escorts take the rest.
Set strategic fighter tactics to:
Primary - optimal range
Secondary - don't get hurt
They'll shoot and scoot
Point 2
You don't need medium or large fighters
You need SWARMS of small fighters.
More bang for the buck
BIGGEST REASON OF ALL: NOOOO MAINTENANCE
30 light fighters w/ missile 3 on each planet is a really decent defensive setup too. (which really isn't that expensive research wise) you probably already have missile 3 at this point anyway.
[This message has been edited by JDL (edited 20 March 2001).]