Automaton casting repeatedly on out-of-range targets

[Kristal]

Platform: Windows XP
ISP: Online
Type of Internet Connection: DSL
Internet Connection Speed: 10Mbps
Date & Time: March 18th, 2012 22:00~0:00 CET
Frequency:Occasionally
Character Name:Kristal
Race:Hume F
World: Bismarck
Main Job: PUP
Support Job: /DNC
Area and Coordinates: Dynamis - Beaucedine (J-9)
Party or Solo:Solo
NPC Name: None
Monster Name: Vanguard Militant

Steps:
1. Deployed Stormwaker automaton on Vanguard Militant beyond agro distance, but within magic cast distance.
2. Automaton casts Stoneskin on me.
3. Vanguard Militant walks away, out of casting range.
4. Automaton casts an enfeebling spell on target, which doesn't finish due to distance.
5. Automaton doesn't move. Then casts an elemental nuke on target, still well outside casting range. (Target did not move during casting.)
6. Target moves around a bit, but only a few steps further away from maton.
7. Automaton walks around a bit, getting a few steps closer to target, but nowhere near casting range.
8. Automaton casts Phalanx on me.
9. Mobs walks around a bit.
10. Automaton again casts another set of enfeebling and elemental spells for no effect due to distance.
11. Automaton THEN runs in melee range and attacks the mob.

I've seen it happen before, but it's the first time it did so prominently and repeatedly. I suspect distance check gets confused when first casting a defensive buff on master within range, then doesn't recheck distance to the offensive target and casts anyway. If master is out of range, or no beneficial spells need to be cast, the automaton moves into melee range (or at least closer to target) as normal.

[Skirata]

Greetings Kristal,

Thank you for posting your concern over the behavior of your Automaton when directing it to engage. I have made sure to submit all of your information to the development team, and they will thoroughly investigate this matter, based on your report. Unfortunately, I cannot guarantee that a direct response will be posted on this thread, but I do recommend checking Here and Here for any details regarding the development team's investigation. Thanks again for your report!