by about 3 points.

I really think FFG over valued the stat line on both the E and the Defender.

Start with the overpriced TIE Advanced, add one point of firepower for about seven points and you get the overpriced E-Wing. Start with the overpriced E-Wing, add a hull upgrade and you get the overpriced Defender.

That was easy to predict even before the release of Wave 4.

Not surprising - the E-wing, more than any other snubfighter, is the ship which depends on stacked upgrades for its combat ability.

The named pilots are awesome, but it's the ability to stack an EPT that pushes the interaction. Multiple complementary upgrades are worth more than the sum of their parts - compare my default E-wing Example of Engine Upgrade, R2 Astromech, Advanced Sensors, Push The Limit; you've got a fighter whos jousting value is almost irrelevant as it's even more manouvrable than an equivalent PS interceptor...

Blackmoons would, as noted, be a lot better with Elite Pilot Talents. I get why Defenders and E-wings aren't as high pilot skill as 'older' fighters - they're new, hence even a gifted pilot has limited experience in that fighter, but some of the talents would make a big difference.