If the Empire is the ruling power in the galaxy, and the Stormtroopers are the recognized "police force" of the government, plus if the rebels on the Tantive IV were going to try to get out of trouble by saying "This is a consular ship. We're on a diplomatic mission", why would they engage the Stormtroopers in combat as they board the ship? Yeah yeah, it's to provide the opening of the film with an action sequence, but other than that, why would they do that? It's like getting pulled over by the cops while driving too fast, then you and your buddies getting into a fire fight with them, then trying to give them an excuse as to why you were speeding after all your buddies are dead. You think that's gonna make them let you go?
It's a silly topic, I know. So, get silly with it!
