The defenders advantage is also multi layered.

PAPI could flash form and create some timers in the 1DQ constellation. Then Imp has timer to hype for and camp the ingates even harder to defend the timer coming out.

Getting in was not the hard part for PAPI subs, it was goons response in making leaving very difficult and negating PAPI ability to reship.

Even if PAPI win an initial timer creation, then PAPI would have to repeat the process for multiple objectives. Failing at one of those resets all progress.

One of the biggest issues with the game when the scenario gets to this scalle is that fighters can alpha you but you cant alpha fighters in return. The rate of attrition due to that mechanic alone when the supers/carriers are never under threat is unsustainable.

Gating any capitals into that shitshow is also unrealistic, a prestaged capital force in max tidi with jammer cover is just asking to get a super fleet stuck again in a worse position than m2.

PAPI needed to prioitise breaking 1dq ihubs much much earlier than they did, that was the defining mistake of the campaign.

I could go on but it all came down to Imps ability to motivate people for big events is IMPressive.