[082349872349872]

I think we agree[1] more than you think we do.

https://www.gutenberg.org/files/1946/1946-h/1946-h.htm#chap0...

> "But a measuring of strength may be effected in cases where the opposing sides are very unequal by a mere comparative estimate. In such cases no fighting will take place, and the weaker will immediately give way.

> If the object of a combat is not always the destruction of the enemy’s forces therein engaged—and if its object can often be attained as well without the combat taking place at all, by merely making a resolve to fight, and by the circumstances to which this resolution gives rise—then that explains how a whole campaign may be carried on with great activity without the actual combat playing any notable part in it."

(the problem here is that this strategy is unstable, as not everyone can follow it at the same time, something demonstrated twice during the prior century. Renaissance italians were fond of manoeuvre over direct combat, for which our more bloodthirsty age faults them.)

[1] compare Alexander in https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=23963679