I have a 60 point Decimator that needs to not be the focus of my opponent. It's a flanking decimator but I need 40 points that cant be ignored by my opponent. (Like a phantom would cause the damage but whoever plays with me is going to focus on the Decimator first because they can't catch the phantom)

So far in thinking maybe doom shuttle with an academy tie as a blocker?

Doom Shuttle with Black Squadron Pilot with Draw Their Fire...39pts I think.

Echo says Hello!, 'ello, 'ello, 'ello, 'lo.

"Echo" — TIE Phantom 30
Veteran Instincts 1
Fire-Control System 2
Recon Specialist 3
Advanced Cloaking Device 4

Buzzsaw shuttle.

Omicron Pilot - 21

Fcs - 2

Gunner - 5

HLC - 7

Engine Upgrade - 4

39 points

My standard Soontir Fel clocks in at 36, you could put a bomb on the Decimator if it doesn't already have one and be at 98 that way

I think the OP's point is that the 40pt 'killer' needs to at least be perceived as a more viable target than the Decimator. As he (assuming male since Baron is male) says, a phantom, with its cloak and arc dodging capability is not going to be prioritised, which rules Whisper, Echo and Fel out.

I think the hippo is a sound choice (it's what Paul Heaver took to Top 4 in the recent Vassal tournament).

Firespray is viable too.

Backstabber and two academies? If you ignore that, you'll be facing 7 attack every round... Not something to be ignored lightly.

Not sure what lists you see often or what you're expecting to fly against, but I can't get over the duo of Howlrunner and Mauler.

Howlrunner (18)

- Veteran Instincts (1)

Mauler Mithel (17)

- Predator (3)

No need for Swarm Tactics, really. You're going to be at 99 points and bringing Mauler up to PS8 won't make much of a difference unless you're playing Dash, so it's up to you if you want it. I like Predator on Mauler as people typically target Howl first, leaving Mauler with his re-rolls once the fierce feminine fighter pilot is downed. Four die at Range one is nothing to scoff at.

If you're feeling real confident in your Tie Fighter play...

Howlrunner (18)

- Veteran Instincts (1)

Mauler Mithel (17)

- Expose (4)

Comes out to exactly 40 points and can bump Mauler to five die at range 1 (assuming you don't want to take a focus or barrel roll to arc dodge instead). This works wonders on Dash, as getting the TIEs into range 1 forces him to deal with 8 dice.

I think the OP's point is that the 40pt 'killer' needs to at least be perceived as a more viable target than the Decimator. As he (assuming male since Baron is male) says, a phantom, with its cloak and arc dodging capability is not going to be prioritised, which rules Whisper, Echo and Fel out.

I think the hippo is a sound choice (it's what Paul Heaver took to Top 4 in the recent Vassal tournament).

Firespray is viable too.

Anyone that lets the above Echo have free reign will likely regret it, which was the point of a hard target - imho.