Doesn't explain how exactly the old battle fits in. They want us to believe that the SIIs were completely unaware of what was going on until the 30th, even though there was a giant fleet glassing the planet on the 14th?
I think they still need to clarify: the events that started on the 30th in the book now start on the 14th (when the fleet arrives), and instead of all going down in one day, it is extended to two weeks, and ENDS on the 30th.
If they just told us that, I'd be happy.
Still doesn't explain what MC was doing while the POA was docked, because he sure as hell shouldn't be sleeping when the battle is still happening.
I do like the "bait" idea though. They pulled back all their defenses, tried to make reach look weak. Maybe for example, they did that so the covenant wouldn't feel the need to send in a "real" fleet. But then a full fleet arrived (they were completely unaware that the covenant had found what they wanted weeks ago - the artifact - and were already preparing a massive fleet.) So everything was scrapped.
[Edited on 10.08.2011 6:08 AM PDT]