If you were going to play in a tournament type environment where you're basic list is one ship what would it be? The minimum your base ship can cost will be 34 points with the following special rules depending on what two ships actually meet:

Any base ship valued at less than 34 points counts as 34 points.

If point values of ships are 0-5 points from each other then you play normally.

If point values of ships are 6-12 points from each other then cheaper ship may fill ONE upgrade slot.

If point values of ships are 13 points or greater the cheaper ship gains a Bandit Squadron or Academy Pilot "wingman" and then compare new values.

The basis behind this is simply to judge how would you build a Firespray, Decimator, YT, or Shuttle in an environment where you expect to see the same. Opening the question up to include small ships simply to be fair but how well do they fair one-on-one although I'd rather stay away from them. The "balancing" rules are simply to help keep the points somewhat close although adding a cheap fighter, or maybe even two, could radically change the balance.

Something to start with:

Captain Oicunn + APL + Determination + Isard + Rebel Captive + Gunner + Proton Bomb (62)

The strategy is simply to run into the other ship or have them run into you. On top of that you have survival upgrades and a Gunner to make sure your offense lands when you can't get in the way.

Another thought:

Oicunn + APL + Stay on Target + Navigator + Intel Agent + Captive + Proton Bomb (58)

Same idea but a lot more upgrades to make sure you can get in the way.

Why not Furball at 35 points? (Or other point variants, though I haven't seen them.)

How would you pit a Falcon against a Decimator with only 35 points?

It may be a "furball" but between the sluggers instead of the fighters.

I'd run a tricked out Defender with Lone Wolf (mandatory in this game type), HLC, Shield or Engine Upgrade, and some kind of missile (Prockets most likely).

Academy Pilot.

Nothing like going completely hardcore or go home