First off, let me say that I am psyched that bols got this forum. I love the site and hopefully this is the first of my many posts here.
Now on to the question:
40k is a fairly easy going game when it comes to measurements. Its important to do your best, but its impossible to measure every models' actions perfectly. With that being said, my question is in regards to how the deployment rules are supposed to be interpreted. For instance, in a pitched battle deployment, the closest you can place your model to the enemy is 24". Can you therefor shoot a bolter at the opposing model if both have not moved, or is your deployment supposed to be 24" away (meaning you fail to be within 24" and can't shoot)? This same question applies to first turn assaults with dawn of war. You can line up 18" away from the opposing force, so can a model with additional movement abilities (bike,wings,etc.) get into assault first turn?