@Flatfingers
Good call about visual identification, but while that would work for a player, it
could be difficult to implement a visual ID system for the AI. Even if the AI couldn't do visual ID, it would be an important detail for the player. Ideally all ships not actively hiding would transmit some IFF signal (accurate or spoofed) as the primary means of ID which can be combined with sensor data to detect fraudulent IFF.
Yes, I did disregard light speed limitations for sensors. The reason for this break from realism has been discussed by various individuals in this thread, and while I prefer realism, I agree with the major points presented. Also, we are assuming that technology has advanced to a point where they found a way around the light speed limitation on sensor systems.
@jimhsu
All components ultimately boil down to a set of numbers anyway, the issue I see is that various stealth components would ultimately counteract different sensor methods and detected characteristics. This could lead to a lot of math being required to calculate whether or not you detect a ship. Possible, but complex. Good ideas though.
@Zero Gravitas
We've been discussing the mechanics of interstellar flight
here, and have developed the theory that jump technology utilizes wormholes rather than some pure abstract scifi hyperspace concept. These methods would be fundamentally incompatible with the cloaking methodology you suggest.