Should score be based on firepower?

[rdouglass]

Score? What score???? I just take it ALL.

No seriously, I kinda like the idea of score being more a function of maintenance costs which should be a more accurate representation of your firepower. The flaw with that is you'll have to assign some value for units which of course have no maint cost.

However, IMO the best way to score in human vs. human should be the number of systems controlled / owned. If you are the only empire present you get 1 point. If you've colonized that system 1 point. Otherwise, no points. The only difficulty that I can see is to account for uncolonized / unoccupied territory behind enemy lines - that could be a tough one to figure.

I think scoring should be based on territory primarily 'cause I see this game as a conquest type of game instead of a "get along with your neighbor" kinda' game - I think most do. IRL the "score" is kinda' figured on your real estate holdings isn't it!?