See, this is why I hate The EU. It's admirable to create a rich back story for the novels of course, but so often it undermines the logic of the film and also the moral of the story as it does in this case - which is that the underdog facing overwhelming odds can achieve anything if their cause is just. You have the technological Empire with disposable ships and men, and you have the Rebels where everything is at stake and it's all about the skills and belief of individual men. The fact Luke wins the day through religion when the Empire has none is no coincidence either. Whilst it would still be no doubt overwhelming odds with experimental advanced ships, the concept still diminishes any victories in my opinion.