To quote GL's own hand in the original book, TIE-fighters had better lasers etc, the rebels ships were described as 'antiques,' and your very correct tactical anaysis beggers belief given the Death Star is 'the size of a small moon.' It's rather like unleashing a few kites to defeand an aircraft carrier full of F16s against a determined attack of WW2 Spitfires.... And this whole TIE issue that has blown out of all proportion in the EU erks my sense of logic.... OBi Wun states of the TIE fighter they encounter over the remains of Alderaan, 'It's a short range fighter.' Which would indicate the Empire had long-range fighters (with all the hyperspace unrealistic rubbish the rebels seem to enjoy). Given the Empire is the government of the galaxy, there can't be to many military alternatives with any realistic military clout. ...I do however like fairy tales...