So, Tie swarm without crack - does it work?

I'm looking at the following, does it have validity?

TIE/fo Fighter: Epsilon Squadron Pilot (15)

TIE/fo Fighter: Epsilon Squadron Pilot (15)

TIE/fo Fighter: Epsilon Squadron Pilot (15)

TIE/fo Fighter: Epsilon Squadron Pilot (15)

TIE Fighter: · "Howlrunner" (18)

Shield Upgrade (4)

TIE Fighter: · "Mauler Mithel" (17)

-- TOTAL ------- 99/100p. --

I know normally we run with crackshot to push through damage but, I have none so how does,this look?

2x3 block with howlrunner pushing rerolls. Mauler is a bit of a false widow - yes he chucks an extra dice around but really he's there to be a more tempting target over howlrunner. I broke my teeth flying swarms when the game came out so would like to return to it - but is it possible without crackshot?

Doesn't look like enough ships for me, 7 standart TIEs should beat the sprinkeled FOs.

if you really need something on Howl I'd go with Stealth or Hull. 1 point of shield is not getting you very far, it's actually just another HP and in that case HU is just 1 point cheaper. That leaves you with 2 points. Either put swarm tactics on Howl or Determination (for that slim chance that you receive a pilot crit), and maybe VI on Mauler to mess with the PS 9 Aces.

I'm not sure though if the slightly better dial of the FO will make up for the lower overall firepower (by having 6 instead of 7 or 8 ships). I might give it a try too, but I will use Youngster with Expose instead of Mauler then, for a more devastating strike the first turn I am in firing range.

Man even FOs need crackshot to be relevant and they're LESS efficient than Tie/LNS

if you really need something on Howl I'd go with Stealth or Hull. 1 point of shield is not getting you very far, it's actually just another HP and in that case HU is just 1 point cheaper.

I have typically preferred hull over stealth because stealth has failed me too many times. However, now that Boba Fett crew exists I am considering shield for Howlrunner instead of hull. I'd hate to take a crit on her and have Boba discard the hull before it counts. With shield at least she would use it up before Boba could discard it.

Man even FOs need crackshot to be relevant and they're LESS efficient than Tie/LNS

I don't think that's true at all. FOs are great little ships. The efficiency argument is overblown. Mathwing can't account for the dial. How efficient is a 2 s-loop compared to 3 K turn? How do you account for having a 2 green turn after a red maneuver?

Crackshot is nice, but I refuse to buy a bunch of Khirghizistan fighters to get them. I'd consider getting the cards from the ebay sellers, but they've been sold out for a while.