that's the point I was trying to get at kinda,
if you set too many skill points else where, it would make it so that you haven't spent the time learning how to spot things like WEBSTER said.
as you go up on deck and spot out enemy ships your skill will continue to improve in that area.
EDIT: @ Hitman, I see your point. but I still have a sneaky feeling I could figure out a way to work that in