I've been going with the minimal upgrade approach for now, opting to trade the upgrades for a Tie Fighter like Backstabber in its place.

My favorite setup so far is:

Captain Oicunn

+ Darth Vader

It is simple, free damage, in multiple forms. You don't feel TOO bad when you Vader, since only 45 pts. Also, creates funny dynamics where your opponent's high PS ships will have a hard time choosing to fly passed the Decimator and get a Vader crit (after being rammed on my move, of course), or choosing to get rammed on the next turn by picking a dial choice that will bump the Captain, if that makes any sense.

With supporting roles such as:

Whisper + Vi + ACD + FCS

Backstabber

or

Howlrunner

3 x Academy Ties

I tried kitting out the Rear Admiral and Kenkirk, but didn't like the support options all that much. It came down to me trying to win with my turreted ship, which wasn't any more fun than flying a Falcon. I think any kitted out Decimator I run will be supported by 2 x Shuttles + FCS (46pts), so the Decimator will be under 54 pts. Can still fit some good stuff in that. Any more and you are stuck with 3 x Ties, 1 x Phantom, 2 x PS1 Ints. Maybe...Engine upgrade on a turret ALWAYS changes my mind.

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Vader delivers direct dmg to the hull and not to the shields.... (sorry he deals Critical Damage Cards)

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Haha...

You are correct Sir(s),

sorry for the confusion.

Funny thing tho i cant even recall that i ever played it like that. (I mean the wrong way else im sure someone already would have said anything esp. our store champion)

I have no idea how i came up with that...

You see i sooo enjoy just talking about that ship i already mess up the rules!

Anyhoo, thanks for the clarification!!!!

But maybe one day i will try out the Rear Admiral.... that sounds like fun as well!