As the title asks, are mercenaries a viable faction without temporary alliance (either adding mercs to imps or rebels to mercs).

My buddies and I have run several different merc only lists and have found that they are generally lacking. It's not that their units are bad or over pointed, it just seems like there is not enough "support" and synergy in the list.

It seems that a well played/balanced rebel or imperial list will often trump merc only lists as they are very one dimensional in their play.

If anyone can offer suggestions as to what we are doing wrong or ways to improve our merc playing, I'm all ears. It's something I would really like to figure out as I enjoy playing the underdog.

I think your analysis is correct. As I see it, if you want a Merc list that is even moderately competitive you need to spend 6pts on Temporary Alliance and Gideon and C3P0. Oh...Boba and C3P0 are best friends...Boba with 2 automatic Evades is pretty sweet. :-)

Maybe more support will come out for Mercs in the future, but as it stands right now they need to lean on Rebels or else jump into Imperials via Tempo Alliance instead.

I always temp alliance Gideon, sometimes also 3PO.

I think once the Bantha is out we might start seeing decent lists without Rebel support.

I am excited to try a creature focused list with Beast Tamer and Punishing Strike thrown in.