The reason why I ask is because I have a game (Battlestations: Midway), and the rule of thumb is always send torpedo bombers against ships, never dive bombers. When a dive bomber is used, the bomb looks like it launched smoke and did nothing else when it hits a ship, and it rarely does any damage.

What I don't understand is why the U.S. Navy put all the ruggedness on the Dauntless rather than the Avenger. Personally, I think the Avenger needed all the ruggedness it could get, being a sitting duck and all. The Dauntless also has more accuracy and a reliable payload whereas torpedo bombers had faulty torpedoes until after Midway.

I would think that dive bombers did more damage, I just don't see what true damage their payload can do on surface vessels, especially battleships and carriers.