#3
by Spankie
there is a chance factor, it is 1% per 100k debris up to a 20% maximum chance, and the moon forms instantly if it does. Debris field is calculated at .6 x loss(not including deuterium) so if you lose a Battle ship at 60,000 value (50k metal, 10k crystal) then it forms a debris field of 36,000. The % is rounded down to the nearest whole number, so 36000 would give you a 0.36% rounded to 0% chance to form a moon. Any debris field from 100,000 - 199,999 will give you a 1% chance 200,000-299,999 a 2% chance and so on, up to the 20% maximum
Since metal has the lowest value, the best thing for the defender to use would be Battleships because of the cost to the defender at 5metal to 1crystal and 0 Deut.
Heavy Fighters would be a 4:1 ratio
Battle Cruisers would be a 3:4 ratio, plus you lose the deuterium as it is not recoverable in the DF.
Tho Large Cargos are at a balance of 1:1 ratio cost, if you are using friendly fire to try for a moon (somebody in your alliance) they are the easiest to kill, meaning less forces needed for your friend, and less deuterium to send HIS fleet at you.
hope this helps:)