Okay, I get that when you spend a target lock you can remove a stress token, but how can you gain a target lock while you're stressed?

From the previous round, or from Dutch.

Basically, anything that lets you ACQUIRE a target lock allows you to get a Target Lock while stressed.

Note that this is different from performing a Target Lock ACTION. You can't take actions while stressed... However, you are still eligible to recieve tokens from exterior sources, and you are also able to perform other things not strictly classified as an action, such for example... Acquiring a Target Lock.

Dutch Vander's ability is the usual way. Fire Control System also allows you to acquire Target Locks while stressed (tough X-Wings don't have access to a 'systems' slot). R5-K6 also lets you acquire Target Locks while stressed. With the latter, "Hobbie" could potentially shed 2 stress tokens in the same round, one by spending the TL, and another token from re-gaining another TL with the astromech.

So does Hobbie stink or is he any good?

I think he's cool with R3-A2. It allows him to take a stress to give a stress to his target, and then lose the stress by using his TL. It only works if you TL lower PS pilots or ones you know won't escape from your firing arc, obviously. Otherwise he's not fantastic.

"Very well, thank you"

Ran Hobbie with R3-A2 today at a tournament and won the event his ability with R3-A2 was key its almost like an Ion effect, additionally you can still use R3-A2 even if your already stressed yourself

Nice. Glad to hear that combo is working for others as well. Fun stuff.

Throw some flechette torps on him as well. Hittng a ship for two stress while ending the round clean is awesome.

Why hasn't anyone mentioned he can use PTL (w/R2-D6) for a "stress-free" TL/F each round (assuming you use TL)? Granted he'll cost as much as Wedge (29 pts), but TL/F is almost a guarantee 3 hits everytime.