First, I would like to say that I enjoyed the combat resolution very much and would like to add a question: What was the AD&D book which had simillar points that Ross said was pivotal in inspiring him? I'm very curious, specially since it's a ilithid's fortress invasion.
Please, which book was it?
Also, I really think that combat could be resolved by just skill challenges. It would make the game a lot better, in my opinion. Anyway, I just dislike fights that takes 2 hours of rambling game statistics.