I been reading with interest the thread.
I said a while back I find it strange that only friendly collisions cause damage, although I understand and like the rule as it makes you plan not to collide and I think that is important.
After reading the BGG points, I think in future I would prefer to keep damage for friendly collisions using standard rules but ignoring special damage , except leaks and rudder damage. Collisions with enemy ships take C damage.
The thing we dont want to encourage is giving a benefit to ramming ships