ok, back on topic,

what about this:

Black Squadron + Predator + Hull Upgrade (x5)

Because for the same cost - you could have...

Black Squadron X5

Academy Pilot

Howlrunner.

You add 6 hull overall, and 2 guns instead of only 5 hull. And you grant "predator" rerolls to 6 of 7 ships - granted its only 1 die, but that's usually all a tie needs, and it's not dependant upon which ships the opponent brings - against some lists, predator is only giving you 1 die anyway.

Alternatively you could run Howlrunner and 4 avenger squadron interceptors - giving you higher offense, for slightly less pilot skill, though you lose out on the extra hull, but better actions and dial...

Problem is Black squadron with predator is still 2 dice with a reroll.

As I found with the X1s, AC guaranteeing 2 hits just isn't enough for the very high agi Aggressors, and the return fire kills the basic TIE just too quickly. Blocking them helps, but then you need numbers.

In this the Interceptor has the edge over the eyeball.

Enough 2 red dice + reroll vs 3 green dice and the target _will_ take damage. Those 5 Hull Upgrades give the BSP swarm nearly as many HP (20) as a 7 tie Swarm (21), though obviously the durability of swarm is greatly enhanced by having the extra 2 bodies.

However! Because each BSP gets the effect of Howlrunner without needing to be in formation, they will have a smaller chance at taking damage from Ruthlessness.

Honestly this depends on the aggressor.

Stealth device + sensor jammer (what i've fought) means no stinking 2 dice attack will go through without focus. (or AC) Even then he has a good chance of getting 2 evade.

Ruthlessness I find is situational.

in Epic I actually think it's great. Shoot the AGI0 target, kill the AGI3 a-wing sitting next to it.

If it were priced 2 points i'd consider it (I stand corrected, i thought it was 2 points) Where it's 3 points predator, outmaneuver and PTL all beat it. Even for a TIE/LN.

OM would be my choice of the 3, and hoping for loaded dice.