I'm currently checking to see if they have any official errata. Doug, Thank you for forwarding the material from former playtester Terry Rooker. If it's a surprise encounter, then all ships are face-up.
Some ships start the game in port with some activation requirement.
If so that means you only get the points once. However, if you run in, bombard, then run out without engaging the enemy, you win. VP for bombardment, IMO, is a catalyst to make sure the other guy is out looking for your ships. And don't forget that no matter how insignificant it may seem - every VP counts. The designer did say that anyone looking for a slugfest could do so.