One thing I noticed in the recently released instructions is that each fighter is attached individualy to the the prongs of a squadron set. So you could actually make an X-wing with two wingmen of an A-wing and Y-wing (Rogue Squadron from Gamecube anybody?).

In time you could even make explosion inserts, replacing 1 and then 2 of the fighters to show damage in a dynamic way.

Or you could make uglies or pirate squadrons of your own showing a ragtag group with mixed fighters.

Lastly, FFG could release individual tiny ships, like a Lambda shuttle, with some way for creating squadrons by combining their stats or something.

Just an observation I had. I think the damage counter one is best.

Or an advanced with two TIE Fighters to represent Darth Vader?

Sadly all ships must be of a same type in a squadron, so those arrays might be judged illegal.

Love the idea, these will still be great for home brew games at least. Personally I'd like to see some custom squadrons with best of all worlds type stats. For example throw an A-wing, a B-Wing, and a Y-Wing all on on stem and give it 2 move (slowest of the three ships) 5 hull, 3 blue squadron attack, 2 black ship attack, bomber, remove heavy from the y-wing, and counter 1. Have it cost, say 12-14 points?

Yeah I really wish they did allow us to make a movie accurate Darth Vader squadron.

Would have been good if FFG allowed that combination.

Or an advanced with two TIE Fighters to represent Darth Vader?

Sadly all ships must be of a same type in a squadron, so those arrays might be judged illegal.

I never plan to play competition.

But anyone who would object to you representing Darth Vader this way, they would deserve to be slapped up-side the head with a scale accurate SSD model

EDIT: Almost forgot to mention: I am totally stealing your cool idea. Hopefully, I will remember to give you full credit!