shield level & penetration

[Spocks-cuddly-tribble]

Could you elaborate on the purpose of "Shield Level"?

Already done, but ok:

Say a ship with a shield level of 25 (and shields still up!) takes a hit (no matter beam or torpedo) of 40 points of damage.

Real damage -> 40 - 25 = 15

But tevent still says 40 -> look at shield percentage / see also "damage control".

Are the AI starships "aware" of their opponent's Shield Level?

Yes, at least they'll predict if they cannot do any damage.

(Or do they just run away, as usual?)

Not "Or" , they run away if SL too large.

See your other topic.