As noted by some others, the biggest benefit is that you can avoid damage reduction from shielf mitigation, and get a head start on hull damage in the process. Since the missiles seem to mostly come in swarms, I'd imagine mitigation comes into play with them quite easily.

I think the question in the first post was this, though:

When the missile damages the hull through the shield, the assumption is that damage is the base damage of the missile mitigated only by the armor. But does it still damage the shield (with the shield mitigation) or not?

The point Pithlit is trying to make, from what I understand (and I apologize if I'm putting words in your mouth) is that if the missile doesn't damage the shield when it passes through to do hull damage, then effectively you spread out your overall damage between two constantly regenerating sources. You'll do less total damage to shields because 30% of your missiles will now pass through harmelssly, allowing shields to last considerably longer due to regen rates. At the same time, only 30% of your firepower will be hitting the hull, which at the same time regenerates also. The final effect is that it may take *longer* to destroy a ship when you effectively split the damage like this than if 100% of your firepower went to shields first, and then to hull once shields are down.

NOTE: I'm just paraphrasing my understanding of what Pithlit is trying to get at

My understanding is that they completely bypass shields. Theoretically, that results in lower mitigation so the rest of your attacks that are still hitting them deal more damage.

Annatar11: exactly my point

30% of your firing power? well i understand badly. i think it was 30% chance to bypass shield, full damage to hull if hit.=S

Right, but if 30% of your missiles bypass the shields, then you do 70% of your combined max potential damage output to shields and 30% to hull, basically splitting your damage. So the discussion is if this way ends up being slower than dedicating 100% of your damage output to shields first, then to hull

It'd be fun to test this, too. Any volunteers? Could do something like 20 missile frigates with phase missiles unresearched and then researched to 30%, timing how long it takes to destroy some capital of choice

yeah, that should do it, lets do a lab

Armor nuke + phase missiles = very dead TEC capship setup. Probably not real great against a fleet with command cruisers though, letting them restore faster.

Going to be around tonight? I'll probably be able to hop on around 5:00 central/6 eastern. Not sure what time zone you're in

i´m around now

And I'm at work

The power of SINS compels you!

.. to blow up the office so I can stay home and play Sins?

just dont forget your genuine red swingline stapler on the way out

We don't have those here I can drive off with the copier, though, and smash it to bits!