I've seen a lot of discussion about the merits of Build A over Build B and how they might be used etc... along with this is often a comment about player skill.

What's missing though is how this might actually translate in to gameplay on the table. It made me think of things I used to see in the newspaper waaay back where there could be a set up of a chessboard and people would be challenged to do something like "win in 5 moves" etc...

Would something similar to this be useful for discussion different builds?

For example - this is from a game I played a few weeks back:

It's turn 1, I'm second player and the mission is Blockade Run. Given this starting point - what might be the best moves for each player?

This is just an example by the way (not expecting any discussion on it!) - a sample set-up with Rhymer/Rieekan might be more interesting. Maybe use Vassel screenshots to show how it could play out?

rebels had it bad here. They flew right into the obstacles.

Speed 4 for the top cr90 to get it in the battle. Was placed to far our and would only get in turn 5-6. I would of moved the top AF2 left to pass over the obstacles with the lower AF2 going right at the top Interdictor. Lower Cr90 do the same on the Interdictor and then get our of dodge.

This is really a bad situation for the Rebels. I would try to make a harsh turn with the top AF, rumble through some of the asteroids with the other with engineering tokens and try to pass by the right flank of the Imperials The two Interdictors would disturb each other and if you go speed 3 you can avoid Demo getting behind you.

I always thought it would be interesting and helpful for new players to have a game already underway and let them take control to find the "optimal" decisions. Vassal would be the best way to do this since you can set up a game and others can load it up. Basically create learning scenarios which have a simple goal such as getting out of an ISDs front arc, setting up your double arcs, managing the squadron game. Stuff like that. All the basic skills a player should know about but presented in an accelerated and direct fashion so you don't have to hope you learn the skills by getting the correct match ups.