So.. in essence the only real difference between a major NPC Nemesis and a Rival is the Rival doesn't have a Strain Threshold. Then when you drop to a Minion you lose all skills and talents essentially right?

If you wanted to give a minion a talent or something, no harm done I wouldn't think?

Also, I am assuming the terms Nemesis, Rival and Minion are just that terms... for good guys it could be Ally, Partner and Associates or whatever, meaning they are just designations of NPC detail.

The good guy NPCs use the same designator.

Custom NPCs don't really need the designator. So a minion with a Talent, is just a really weak Nemesis, but again, at that point it doesn't really matter how they're classified. That is something the devs apply to assist GMs is selecting opponents of appropriate challenge level.

Sort of.

Minions have a group skill rank, can't do a lot of little odds and ends, and usually have a WT around 5.

So out of the 2 or 3 group skills they have they gain a rank for every member beyond the first. Grouping is essentially just a trick that allows you to say there's a lot of guys on the field, but only do the rolling and book keeping of one character.

And no, no harm done if you think a minion or group needs a talent or ability to fit the narrative, some minions have exactly that.

Note that nemeses are still characters like everyone else so if you want that Sith Lord to stick around for more than one fight, you'll need to do more than just making him a nemesis. High soak, wound diverting talents, a high HT, stimpacks and the like my be needed.

The CRB doesn't differentiate if the NPC is a "good guy" or "bad guy". Just what type they are. So if they are working with your PCs they are still Minions, Rivals, or Nemesis. You are free to call them what you wish, but per RAW they don't have anything. For me, I keep it simple and don't change it. I don't see a need to change the naming convention, just because I can. I'm sure some folks do. I would rather spend my time and energy into making my game better, and renaming the NPC structure is just wasting my time, FFG already did the work for me.

Thanks fellas!