So.... considering a 'classic' TIE swarm - albeit with the updated TIE/fo fighters.

I want to improve my flying, so I want to focus on basic fighters with minimal upgrades, and for the sake of tidiness, I want to be fairly consistent with the pilots.

Essentially, I've got four lists I'm considering, all of which I can make with the stuff I've got without borrowing anything.

Epsilon Squadron

A pure Epsilon Squadron Force. I'm not sure whether the single comms relay is better on Epsilon Ace (who's PS12 until he gets hurt and hence probably flying wide) or Epsilon Leader (who lets me pull back to back Koiograns and similar shenanigans with everyone else) - advice is welcome if you have some!

• Epsilon Leader - Comms Relay
• Epsilon Ace
• Epsilon Squadron Pilot
• Epsilon Squadron Pilot
• Epsilon Squadron Pilot
• Epsilon Squadron Pilot

Zeta Squadron

A pure Zeta Squadron Force. Less power in the ace (little more than another normal fighter less a bit of extra capability in Segnor/Koiogran moves), but PS3 generics means Predator is a little less effective and I should get the drop on cheap generics.

• Zeta Ace- Wired
• Zeta Squadron Pilot
• Zeta Squadron Pilot
• Zeta Squadron Pilot
• Zeta Squadron Pilot
• Zeta Squadron Pilot

Losing a ship for some upgrades, saving enough points for the Shootier (but less flexible) Zeta Leader

• Zeta Leader - Wired, Comms Relay
• Zeta Squadron Pilot - Weapons Guidance
• Zeta Squadron Pilot - Weapons Guidance
• Zeta Squadron Pilot - Weapons Guidance
• Zeta Squadron Pilot - Weapons Guidance

Mixed Squadron

Using half of each, along with their cheap aces:

• Epsilon Ace - Comms Relay
• Epsilon Squadron Pilot
• Epsilon Squadron Pilot

• Zeta Ace
• Zeta Squadron Pilot
• Zeta Squadron Pilot

Which of these do people think is likely to work best?

I would fly the Mixed squadron for no other reason than how cool it is to have an Ace and his 2 wingmen x2. Zeta ace is weaksause IMO, because him going father in his rolls won't help as much if he is in formation and there are lots of ships around him, but thematically that list would be awesome.

Out of the three I like the concept of epsilon leader best. The other aces really don't contribute much here IMO. The main issue with these is gonna be damage output. Also on all 3 lists if you run into a black or omega swarm your trumped so I say stick to epsilons or a mix and lose the other aces besides epsilon leader.

So heres an idea based on your concept:

epsilon leader, 3 omega 'guards' for your ace, 2 epsilon blockers. Kinda addresses the opposing swarm thing and shouldn't mess with formation flying although I'm not a swarm player so what do I know.

The main issue with these is gonna be damage output.

Hence the thought about Zeta Leader - but I'm not a fan of stress-triggered abilities; it's too often you can come badly unstuck against someone with R3--A2, or Rebel Captive, or whatever.

Weapons Guidance upgrades might be good, too. I'm not sure how good in practice it actually is.

Also on all 3 lists if you run into a black or omega swarm your trumped so I say stick to epsilons or a mix and lose the other aces besides epsilon leader.

That's why I'm hesitant to use Zeta squadron pilots; there's always a certain satisfaction to PS1 pilots knowing you can't get blocked, too.

I say stick to epsilons or a mix and lose the other aces besides epsilon leader

One could drop Epsilon Ace to a 'generic' Epsilon Squadron Pilot and use the points to give 'leader' a Stealth Device (I think I have one) - that plus the comms relay should make Epsilon Leader a distinctly unappealing target, which in turn means he keeps on helping the squad for longer.

At the same time, I'm not convinced Epsilon Leader is that awesome - because his ability still doesn't get me actions on the turn the TIEs come about, and by next turn they'd probably do a green move anyway (the TIE/fo has green turns as well as banks).

I would fly the Mixed squadron for no other reason than how cool it is to have an Ace and his 2 wingmen x2. Zeta ace is weaksause IMO, because him going father in his rolls won't help as much if he is in formation and there are lots of ships around him, but thematically that list would be awesome.

I think this or the pure Epsilon Squadron are the ones I'm leaning towards

The Barrel Roll is actually quite good when in formation with other ships - a standard barrel roll won't clear a ship flying next to you, but Zeta Ace's will, which lets him shift position in a line formation if he needs to.

Are you dead set on foo fighters only or are you willing to dip into the tie fighter pool?

No - trying to do 'pure' TIE/fo fighters. If I use 'normal' TIEs, I'm probably going to do an 8-strong swarm for the same reasoning.