Originally posted by TopAce
By the way, I do not know where you collected the idea of the Colossus blocking everything. It is quite obvious the GTVA will not place her right in the middle of the node.
You just proved my point, if that's your recommended placement. The colossus blocks all ships from the left (its right) side -blocking refugees.
It encroaches partly across the direct (frontal) route to the node - blocking refugees.
It is open to attacks from above, below, and the front. It's placement means that these also happen to be the best places for refugees to come from - and hence Shivans in persuit.
That's assuming it is easy and quick for the transports to turn into position for jumping from above / below.
So the only effective defensive point for the colossus is to its direct left and right (where the guns are). the most likely source of attack, is going to be from its left. why? Because that is the only point of sensible entry now left to transports - and if the Colossus fires then, it risks massive collateral damage.
If it wants to escape via the node, it also have to engage in a lengthy turning process, not only blocking the node but also leaving its vulnerable rear open to attack in the process. And if the rear is hit too badly in this process, the Shivans have just created a massive 'plug' for the jumpnode to prevent escaping vessels, thanks to either copious amounts of debris, or a disabled juggernaught.
Basically, it'd be inviting a massacre. At best, it prevents refugees escaping. At worst, it traps them with the colossus on one side and the Shivans in the other.
In short, you've just built a killing field.
Well done.