Combat: linear is better?

[A+ombomb]

It seems that the combat system could use a slight tweak: instead of exponetial decay it could simply be linear. That is, for each of the rounds of combat that occur, the original value of strength would be tested rather than the modified strength. You might wonder why such a subtle change would matter, but it is quite significant if you analyze the statistical data. The current system favors luck much more, as the first victory will more often than not determines the victor to an extreme degree. The only exception is when a lower strength unit attacks a higher strength unit and wins the first "check". If a linear system is adopted, luck would be much less of a factor. I think it should be much more feasible for 2 of a lower strength unit to take 1 slightly higher strength unit nearly 100% of the time (like 2 3 strength units against 1 4 strength). However, with the current system, many times the 4 strength unit will often times emerge from the first battle nearly unscathed! With a linear scale, the 4 strength would generally be down to about 1 strength at the end, making it more manageable.

The primary reason I feel that a change is needed is the whole UU concept. Right now, many UUs are just flat out overpowered during their "time". The problem with overpowered UUs is that there is very little strategy involved - its more a matter of if you can get off an attack with your overpowered UU during the time it is overpowered, or not. If the combat system was adjusted, then UUs could at least be countered with numbers, and perhaps UUs could be boosted in other ways to still make them still valuable.