I've been very impressed by Etahn is my early testing. Here is two different looks at Etahn for you consideration.

Rebel Swarm:

Etahn A'baht + R2-D2 + Shield Upgrade (40)

Bandit Squadron Pilot (12)

Bandit Squadron Pilot (12)

Bandit Squadron Pilot (12)

Bandit Squadron Pilot (12)

Bandit Squadron Pilot (12)

This builds advantage is the numbers. Etahn modifies the attack for his swarm of Z's while holding strong with R2.

Etahn A'baht (32)

Biggs Darklighter + R4-D6 (26)

Rookie Pilot (21)

Rookie Pilot (21)

Here Biggs jumps in to protect Etahn in a more traditional 4 ship rebel build.

He is rebel scum and will be crushed.

In my play testing, A'baht doesn't need R2-D2 or a shield upgrade. I've always been able to get the Z-95 missiles off in the first round. My next list is similar to yours except, A'baht doesn't have the upgrades, and the Z-95s are Tala Squadron Pilots because I want the higher pilot skill.

I have yet to try out the Z swarm with Etahn. The opponent does not focus down Etahn to knock out the teeth of the squad?

Etahn A'baht + R2-D2 + Shield Upgrade (40)

3 Defense dice, 4 shields... Yeah he won't be crushed easily.

Etahn + Sensor Jammer

Green Squadron Pilot w/ Opportunist, Chardaan, Prototype Test Pilot, Wingman x2

Prototype Pilot + Chardaan

I have yet to try out the Z swarm with Etahn. The opponent does not focus down Etahn to knock out the teeth of the squad?

They try, but A'baht is usually in the back of the swarm. Further, what's more dangerous during the first turn of shooting? The ~16 missiles that are coming at you with no evade dice modifiers or the guy in the back at range 3? It's not that A'baht isn't a target, but when you have multiple threats coming at you that are all dangerous, you have to make a choice on target priority. Further, if A'baht is at range 3, give him an evade as his action and he's got four evade dice + an evade token. He should be able to survive the first turn of shooting.

I have yet to try out the Z swarm with Etahn. The opponent does not focus down Etahn to knock out the teeth of the squad?

They try, but A'baht is usually in the back of the swarm. Further, what's more dangerous during the first turn of shooting? The ~16 missiles that are coming at you with no evade dice modifiers or the guy in the back at range 3? It's not that A'baht isn't a target, but when you have multiple threats coming at you that are all dangerous, you have to make a choice on target priority. Further, if A'baht is at range 3, give him an evade as his action and he's got four evade dice + an evade token. He should be able to survive the first turn of shooting.

What build do you have with missiles? Do you ever find that with the Higher PS bid going on with the Phantoms pushing everything higher that the Z's are out of range to acquire target locks for the missiles?

Etahn + Sensor Jammer

Green Squadron Pilot w/ Opportunist, Chardaan, Prototype Test Pilot, Wingman x2

Prototype Pilot + Chardaan

1. Obviously can't do this yet if the op is thinking in terms of regionals that will happen before aces or something.

2. can't put 2 copies of same EPT card on same awing.

Etahn + Sensor Jammer

Green Squadron Pilot w/ Opportunist, Chardaan, Prototype Test Pilot, Wingman x2

Prototype Pilot + Chardaan

1. Obviously can't do this yet if the op is thinking in terms of regionals that will happen before aces or something.

2. can't put 2 copies of same EPT card on same awing.

I always find enjoyment in the people looking so far ahead they ignore the now.

Etahn

Blount + ion

Cracken + wingman + clusters

Bandit + clusters

Bandit + clusters

100 points. I anticipated this list being a little dull to play but it was a lot of fun. Cracken is a great support ship.

Crits matter if they hit. I think hitting with bigger attacks does a better job of ensuring that. I like the non swarm version better.

Here is a squad I plan to test tonight:

Like I said I have tested the Etahn, Biggs and 2 rookies build with good success. I agree the crits getting do matter and the Z's with less dice per attack and really only gain 1 dice over the 3 X's.

I think that the Biggs list would be a bit better, since losing Etahn isn't quite as big a deal when he doesn't cost 40 points.

I've also had success with

Blackmoon + Advanced Sensors (32)

Blackmoon + Advanced Sensors (32)

Etahn A'baht + Predator (35)

Three balanced, maneuverable, and high-attack ships. Plus, with Predator, Etahn can either take a Focus for some really good offensive output, or Evade to stay on defense while also having some offensive output.

I don't see A'baht being as useful with '95s as he would be with X's and B's due to the fact that he isn't making hitting any easier with the 2-dice ships, just a little harder. They still have to hit on their own merits before Etahn can make them stronger, unlike Howlrunner, who makes it more likely that the TIEs will hit in the first place.

Etahn, Biggs, and 2 Rookies at 99 might be my favorite way to fly this list, with the E up front, flanked by the rookies and Biggs taking up the rear.

I've had success with:

A'baht

Cracken

Blue

Blue

I don't see A'baht being as useful with '95s as he would be with X's and B's due to the fact that he isn't making hitting any easier with the 2-dice ships, just a little harder. They still have to hit on their own merits before Etahn can make them stronger, unlike Howlrunner, who makes it more likely that the TIEs will hit in the first place.

Etahn, Biggs, and 2 Rookies at 99 might be my favorite way to fly this list, with the E up front, flanked by the rookies and Biggs taking up the rear.

You'd want Etahn in the back with Biggs. The Rookies, at PS2, move before Etahn (and Biggs) at PS5. Besides, the farther back Etahn is, the wider net he casts for his ability (albeit with a little less range).

Here is a squad I plan to test tonight:

X-WING: · BIGGS DARKLIGHTER

E-WING: · ETAHN A'BAHT

Z-95 HEADHUNTER: · AIREN CRACKEN - Swarm Tactics

B-WING: BLUE SQUADRON PILOT

Love this squad! Had pretty good success.

Id run the Etahn swarm. He'll be a tough bugger to kill with R2D2, and those Z 95s in mass will be great with Etahn.

i tried 2 variations of the same list yesterday, both with success

Ethan (32)

Knave (27)

Blue w/ heavy laser cannon (29)

Bandit (12)

and

Ethan w/ Fire control Systems and r2 astromech (35)

Knave w/ Fire control Systems (29)

Blue w/ Fire control Systems (24)

Bandit (12)

both worked well, but i think i liked the secondary option more to help fix the dice when they don't go your way

One of the reasons I really like E's with X's over the Z-95 and B-wings is the dial. The E-Wings dial is so similar to X-Wings dial it makes it easy to fly around together. Looking at the numbers for Airen Cracken and what he brings to the squad over an X-Wing. If he hands the action to Etahn and add a focus and evade to him the EDO for a ship firing 3 attack dice towards Etahn has an EDO of .17 without the Evade and just focus .63. so there is an increase in attack over a Target Lock and focus. just focus from 3 attack dice vs 3 agility has an EDO of 1.07 adding the Target lock with the focus it's 1.56. That is not really a big jump either way and the damage for Airen is .49 against a 3 agility ship. The benefits almost equal out and it comes down to the dial and survivability of Airen over an X-wing.

i tried 2 variations of the same list yesterday, both with success

Ethan (32)

Knave (27)

Blue w/ heavy laser cannon (29)

Bandit (12)

and

Ethan w/ Fire control Systems and r2 astromech (35)

Knave w/ Fire control Systems (29)

Blue w/ Fire control Systems (24)

Bandit (12)

both worked well, but i think i liked the secondary option more to help fix the dice when they don't go your way

I really wish there was a way to squeeze 2 E-wings and 2 X-wings in a list. One Point!!

We need a Chardaan Refit astromech, haha

I really wish there was a way to squeeze 2 E-wings and 2 X-wings in a list. One Point!!

Can't quite do that, but you can get Etahn, 2 X-wings, and a B-wing. That seems pretty good.

I really wish there was a way to squeeze 2 E-wings and 2 X-wings in a list.

Well you can, if you're willing to run them naked.

Knave x2, Rookie x2 is 96 points. Have room for some R2's or something at that rate.