There seems to be a problem with your understanding of the physics of impact, Nick. Both fly-by's and tangential or oblique impacts have been observed here on Earth. That's observed, not hypothesized.

Since both phenomena are observed, it would seem that if anyone's understanding of the physics of impact is flawed, it is yours.

For a tangential impact into Tharsis, the correct analogy, Nick, would be for you to go to a bus stop along a busy street. Buses will pull up on a semi-regular basis; one could in fact say on a chaotic basis. Now as one of the buses pulls up, just put your arm out real, real fast.

Voila, parts of Nick strewn down the boulevard. And while you're recuperating you'd have time to think about making painful and insulting comments during the course of normal discussion.

EP