Scenario idea

Here is a scenario worked up from a campaign game.

There is an objective planet in another system worth 500 victory points.

Each player may send a fleet of up to 5,000 points in strength to that planet,
however for every 100 points of build cost that you send to that system you
spend 20 victory points.

So, if you send in a 5,000 point fleet and your opponent doesn't contest the
planet then your opponent sends
a 500 point fleet and leaves, he will get -100 victory
points to your -500.

There are a number of different ways to claim the planet: 1) Clearing space
within 54" of the planet for three combat turns. If two purely space
superiority fleets face off there has to be
_some_ end to the battle.

2)  Ortillery + Ground troops.  The planet has a ground troop
value which has to be exceeded by landed troops. Your ground troops get a
bonus modifier for having Ortillery in orbit during the five rounds after they
land. Multiply the number of troops
you land by (Ortillery shots fired/10 +1).  If at any time your
troop value exceeds the planet's ground troop value you win the planet.

Fighters, missiles and submunitions can also be used for ground support. Roll
damage as normally and that is the percentile bonus to your troop value.

Actually invading the planet takes precedence over the space over it in terms
of victory points. If one side successfully invades a planet and then pulls
the fleet out they get the full planet award.

You also get points for destroying or damaging enemy ships. If a damaged ship
can't leave the system or can't land on the planet then it counts as lost.
Likewise, expendable munitions that are expended count as victory points for
the other side.

In a campaign, both sides would have a total of 5,000 points to split between
a number of planets with different objective values. Part of the penalty for
committing build points to attacking a particular planet is logistical.
Assymmetry is possible, with one side paying more victory points to bring his
fleet on. And of course, the homeworlds can be protected by system defense
ships.

The initial scenario assumes two empires simultaneously broke off diplomatic
negotiations and started grabbing frontier worlds.

To an extent, this point system is an evaluation of the Admiral's and Fleet
planner's skill, not an indication of whether that side will actually win the
war. It makes no attempt to fight the whole war, but each battle attempts to
reflect certain strategic considerations.

Also, since the point totals of the fleets can be kept secret until after the
battle it is possible to engage in a game of bluff and intimidation. Or you
can sucker an opponent into attacking what he thinks are Thrust 2 Battleships
with missiles when they are actually Thrust 5 and can dodge the whole volley.

A certain amount of spending on ECM, Sensors and detached scouting groups is a
prudent investment.

New system: Recon Fighters: Recon fighters are based out of standard fighter
bays and are therefore limited to Capital class ships. However, they can
operate independantly and have standard Escort
class ship scanners.  Unfortunately, they have no anti-ship
capability, and hit other fighters only on a '6'. Further, they can't initiate
a dogfight with another fighter squadron unless they are still flying as a
squadron. If an enemy squadron engages a detached Recon Fighter in a dogfight
they do not lose a turn of combat endurance.

Cost per fighter: 3 (Standard fighter) 6 Mass for a squadron of 6.
+2 Fast, 18" turn
+2 Long Endurance.  This doesn't reflect combat endurance but
the ability to go on long patrols. Normal fighters can't stay in space for a
full strategic turn.
-2 No anti-ship capability,
-2 equivalent to Attack fighters vs other fighters when in
squadron, worse when detached.
+2 Scanners
+2 Capable of independant action

At 7 points each, why not just buy Mass 2 scout ships? Because Recon Fighters
are a lot harder to target, and therefore they might survive being used as
scouts.