Federation Commander

I've just bought the 2010 version of F&E (I had the 1986 version) to scratch an itch and have an actual non-solo go at it with a local friend, who had the 1993 version.

Reading through the new rules I'm a bit confused about the SIDS section, well I'm probably confused by more than that, but this one stands out.

If I direct damage against a SB I have to pay 18 points of my damage per SIDS. However, the SB is not crippled until it takes 8 lots of SIDS, and I can only do 1 SIDS per combat round.

I'm not sure whether there is a typo, or I am misunderstanding something. This seems to work out at a 4:1 damage ratio, as in I will have to allocate 144 damage to get the 36 damage needed to cripple the base.

I see that the defender can voluntarily take SIDS, and that does work out at 1:1.

Is it intended that directing at a starbase is 4:1? Whilst I may change my mind once I get into some complex battle, I just cannot see what the attacker would ever 'sacrifice' over 100 damage, given the economic nature of the game, and especially given that the first 7 SIDS do not even reduce the combat power of the SB.

Or am I misreading/misunderstanding something?

Nope I believe you have it right, a Starbase is a tough nut to crack.

Now it's been a while so I am sure some one will correct me. But I believe Maulers and Troop Ships can each score an additional SIDS on their own.