In this meta, PS3 is definitely preferable to PS2. If the problem is TLTs, shields are also largely irrelevant. I'm certainly not convinced a Sienar Test Pilot is better than a Zeta Squadron Pilot against a Gold/Thug TLT Y-Wing. As for named pilots, Omega Ace, Omega Leader and Zeta Leader all have offensive boost Rudor and the generics lack. The Inquisitor is probably better than the lot of them, but I'm not so sure a 26 point Rudor will outfly a 26 point Omega Leader.

Two y-wings can kill an fo per round of shooting, they won't be able to do that to the TAP.

And that's the sum total of the argument TAP's have better life spans in the current meta.

I'm actually fairly certain this is only true once you make the TAP cost even more points which causes one to ask... why are you saying they are similar then? Once you toss AT onto a TAP it's now 18 points, no longer near that 15 point mark. Now if we take AT off... that 15 to 16 point is closer and you are paying for upgrade and dial differences and both of which will die equally quickly (or not so) to 2 Y-Wings with TLT, which... like others have stated, is different flavors of your favorite lactated sugar concoction.

it's also not true

TLT Ys can obliterate thruster TAPs at the whims of sh*tty green dice with or without thrusters

best way to survive enemy TLTs is to shoot em dead; thrusters aren't going to be worth it except on the more expensive (re: useful) inquisitor

No, Rudor definitely wants thrusters, too. "Evade token, safe, take a Focus action, safe again, now I'm gonna Barrel Roll into R1 of the other Y-Wing".

Then you take your range one shot on a Y-Wing, maybe the same one you TLed earlier. Or maybe those thrusters saved you from spending that Focus token. Maybe both.

Well I dont think Rudor will be shooting after many Y WIngs but it will still be good to get in closer with boost/barell roll to possibly avoid the other TLTs in the squad, however I imagine the only opening salvo he will face will be from the stresshog