"Gamey" tactics like "Rock, none" races

[Fyron]

Originally posted by LostCommander:
Why are agressiveness and defensiveness (combat only bonuses) being considered very important? Just wondering as I have never touched them. Yes, I know exactly how they work, so is it not just a personal choice for either more ships or better ships? Sorry, I can't seem to find who originally posted on this...

It is because of how the combat system works. Any difference in to hit chances makes a huge difference in the results of combat. Take 125 agg and def, and Berzerker. You opponent does not. That gives you an automatic 35% to hit and defense bonus. That means that a lot fewer enemy shots hit your ships, and a lot more of your shots hit enemy ships. You destroy his ships much faster, and then even fewer of his shots hit. It is a snowball effect.