Hey sir frogler.  Don't know if it was fixed in .86, but below is the scenario which happens everytime before damage is dealt.

Sov + 3 groups of militia (or other low defense, high attack units).  Sov has higher defense than militia.  Sov has lower attack than militia.

• Sov goes first, moves forward (should be in range of enemy move).
• Militia move forward to one square behind the sov, out of range of the movement of the enemies.
• Enemies move right up to sovereign angling for the militia at back.  Can attack if choose to, but don't.  (enemies and militia turns can be swapped).

Suggested thought logic:

1. Select preferred target;
2. If can reach pref target on this turn - move and attach pref target
3. (If not), Find closest square within melee rang of another unit as close as possible to pref target.
4. move there and melee attack opportunity target.