So I have two ideas for squads built around Etahn.

The first one I only have 96 points in so far, so I could either give Etahn some kind of elite ability, give the bandit a concussion, or update it to a tala. R2-D2 and SJ should help him survive longer since I'm sure he'd be the priority target.

The other idea I had involves using the new x-wing with auto thrusters so they have a little more maneuverability between the boost and talon roll options.

Etahn is my favourite but he will be targetted quickly once people spot your plan. Lots of good discussion points on Etahn and critical hit lists in this older thread https://community.fantasyflightgames.com/topic/193587-etahn-poe-4-ship-list-all-your-crits-are-belong-to-us/?hl=etahn

Don't bother with a missile on the z-95. Not a good platform for it. Better to take an elite card on Etahn. Push the limit is probably best because you can focus + evade to reduce some of the damage he takes and allow him to live a bit longer (although the stress he takes is not ideal, but with R2-D2, you end up doing a lot of green moves anyway).

When integrated astromech is available (might be already?), you definitely want to throw that on your Rookie pilots in your first list. And I would say at that point, your first list (with push the limit on Etahn) is definitely stronger than the second.