X-wing Pilot Tier Project Tier lists are about top-level competitive play: which pilots are easiest to use, most consistently effective when used, and most popular... and which are the opposite. This is not saying that you should ONLY use top-ranked pilots, or that you should NEVER use low-ranked pilots; rather, this is to help players be aware of the difference between pilots, when lower-ranked pilots can help them win - and know what is most likely to hit the tables near them.

While tier lists are always somewhat subjective, the goal of the X-Wing Pilot Tier Project is to be as objective as possible, starting with the usage on the List Juggler Time Series Charts , specifically looking at ships which "Made The Cut" and proceeding from there.

As time goes by and different pilots move up and down in usage, the tier list itself will change along with that usage. Ideally, at the start of a new month, the tier rankings will be recompiled with last month's data now included.

I'll start by examining each ship's pilots, opening that examination to community approval, then compiling that into a general faction tier list and moving onto the next faction. Each pilot will have listed in their ranking common upgrades, because judging pilots naked might as well not judge them at all.

In the overview a rough average percentage of use by points spent among top cut players over the last three months will be mentioned, and in each entry will mention the average percentage among pilots used for that ship . So, for example,if the Decimator uses 10% of total Imperial player points, and Rear Admiral Chiraneau is an average of 55% of those points spent, then RAC uses 5.5% of average Imperial player points spent.

For those not familiar with a tier ranking system, here's a brief explanation:

Rank SS is for pilots that are almost unbeatable, with highly specific counters that even then aren't sure things. With Rank SS pilots, a meta either uses them or uses the counter to them (if one exists), with no middle ground. If a pilot is Rank SS, then it needs to be nerfed ASAP. Whisper , prior to the TIE/Phantom nerf, is a perfect example of a Rank SS pilot. If a pilot breaks 10% of overall faction usage, it's a candidate for Rank SS.

Rank S is for pilots which are strong and consistent on their own, requiring little outside support to inflict damage and dodge it, and at an acceptable points cost. Darth Vader is a Rank S pilot; with good action economy, high PS, solid damage output (with ATC), and an EPT slot that's completely open he's always a good choice for a squadron. If a pilot falls between 5% and 10% of overall usage, it's possibly Rank S.

Rank A is for pilots that are pretty good and can function well enough on their own, but either have solid counters or well-known weaknesses. Zeta Leader is an example of a Rank A pilot; he's very strong for his points, has an entirely open EPT for anything but PTL (VI, Predator, Adaptability, Crack Shot, Wired), and his sole downside is being limited to his greens. If a pilot has between 3-5% of overall usage, it may be Rank A.

Rank B is for pilots which are average - neither good or bad - and have downsides to match their upsides, need support to function well, OR are support themselves. Omicron Group Pilot is an example of a Rank B pilot; as the cheapest carrier of Emperor Palpatine he can swing a game in the player's favor but his low durability, terrible dial, and low PS make him vulnerable if used wrong - or if he's your final ship. If a pilot has 1-3% of overall usage then it's probably Rank B.

Rank C is for pilots that a competitive would use only for funsies; they may have highly specific uses but there are just better options to take. Kath Scarlett (Imperial) is an example of a Rank C pilot; while she has an interesting ability, it's so situational that it will rarely get used and she requires so many upgrade points to use when you could get a Decimator/Whisper for just a few points more or Vader/Palpshuttle for a few points less. Anywhere between 0% and 1% of usage gets into Rank C, unless...

Rank F is for "Failure" "Fix me" or "F 'em" depending on your point of view. There is never any reason to take these guys because they're strictly worse than almost anything else. Fel's Wrath is an example of a Rank F pilot; not only is it competing against Fel himself, a non-EPT TIE/IN whose ability only kicks in AFTER it's destroyed - assuming it even has an enemy in arc?

The previous Imperial tier listings are here:
TIE Fighter
VT-49 Decimator
Firespray-31
TIE/FO
TIE Phantom
And the Rebels have been started here:
X-Wing

Now, for the tier listing!

TIE/LN FIGHTER PILOT TIERS
Starting with a big one here. The TIE/LN has the most different pilot cards of any ship and has rarely dipped below 15% of total Imperial pilot usage. Quite aside from being iconic, it has excellent points economy, a number of useful pilots, and a versatile dial. Also note that despite only being used by 16% of total players, it has made 20% of top cuts. However, its complete dependence on Agility as a defense, lack of greens maneuvers, only two damage dice, and almost no upgrade slots limit it in many ways.

RANK S
None.

RANK A
Black Squadron Pilot (7%)
Crack Shot (15)

Since Crack Shot was released, the BSP has been the most popular carrier of said EPT, AKA the CrackBlack. It allows the BSP to push damage through on harder to hit targets, and even the threat of it is often enough to force a Focus/Evade token spent defensively. Being able to put 5-6 CrackBlacks in a squadron is a very effective swarm. The BSP's downsides are that once it cracks it's just a TIE Fighter offensively and its mediocre PS4 - the reason it's not an S-Rank is because its numbers are artifically boosted by swarms.

Howlrunner (3.8%)
Empty (18)
Swarm Tactics (20)
Crack Shot (19)
Swarm Tactics, Hull Upgrade/Stealth Device (23)
Crackshot, Hull Upgrade/Stealth Device (22)

Howlie-chan's ability to modify dice has made her popular since Wave 1, for good reason - it's statistically better than having another dice, and works on any friendly ship except herself. It's a very strong ability. However, the 10cm bubble of effect makes using her an exercise in formation flying, her lack of self-buffing makes it difficult to profit by using just her, and the fact that she's a single TIE Fighter upon which your strategy hinges draws a LOT of focus fire.

"Wampa" (2%)
Empty (14)
Targeting Computer (16)

Wampa is a psychological threat that few opponents can laugh off - by himself, Range 2-3 shots have a 23% to trigger his ability which is pretty good for his mere 14 points, but when backed up by Emperor Palpatine his every shot turns into an instant damage card. Adding a TC gives his ability even more reliability - remember that you can reroll ALL dice looking for a crit. His ability draws a lot of fire on him, but unlike Howlrunner a strategy is rarely centered around just him - and him drawing disproportionate fire for his points can help out many lists. His sole downside is that he requires Sheev's help to be reliable, but at the price he's hard to beat as a quick add to any force.

Rank B
Academy Pilot (2.6%)
(12)

The humble Academy Pilot has been blocking enemy ships and swarming opponents since the game began. Since the advent of the mid-level PS wars, CrackBlacks, and Wampa their stock has fallen somewhat, but the AP has its place as a dirt-cheap PS1 blocker that can fit into any list which wants one more ship for next to nothing - as long as you don't expect it to do a great deal of damage.

"Backstabber" (.2%)
(16)

Backstabber is one of three Damage-buffing TIEs, and of the three his is the least conditional to activate: just be out of your target's firing arc. However, his lack of an EPT does make him less consistent initially than a CrackBlack, and his middling PS can make his ability difficult to trigger against Aces.

"Dark Curse" (.35%)
(16)

Dark Curse is the defensive half of an Omega Leader for 60% of the price. While DC's ability affects all incoming fire and isn't restricted to a target lock, her lack of EPTs, middling PS, and complete inability to buff her own attack makes her an average choice: she's a survivor, not an attacker.

"Scourge" (.2%)
Crack Shot (18)
Adaptability (17)

Scourge is the second Damage-buffing TIE/LN, and is a rare pilot that suffers from a high PS; as his bonus die triggers only when the enemy has a damage card, it requires PS7+ wingmates to reliably cut through shields and deal at least one damage card. In most circumstances, Scourge is a 'winmore' pilot as few ships have more than 4 Hull, but when combined with Wampa or when up against any ship with Hull 5+ (which is also a sign of low agility) Scourge can deal a LOT of damage for a ship under 20 points. CS is the standard "Oh, I've got a TIE with an EPT" fare, but Adaptability giving -1 PS still puts him at PS6 and gives more room for wingmates to trigger his ability.

RANK C
"Chaser" (0%)
(14)

I don't even know what to say about Chaser. He gets Focus tokens when a friendly within R1 spends a Focus token - good? Sure. But on a PS3 TIE there's only so many ways to spend said Focus tokens, and there are just better options surrounding him.

"Mauler Mithel" (.3%)
Crack Shot (18)
Veteran Instincts (18)

The final of three TIE/LNs that buff their Damage, Mauler's ability arguably requires the best flying, as he only gets the bonus die in Range 1, making him a much harder pilot to use. However, he does have an EPT slot for only one point more than Backstabber, and several interesting choices: VI for maneuvering into R1 against Aces, or CS for pushing through more damage.

"Night Beast" (0%)
(15)

Night Beast has action economy: Perform a green, get a free Focus action. But with a TIE/LN's mediocre greens, it's hard to do and keep him in a knife fight, and why get him when you could get a CrackBlack? TIE Engines Mk. II make him marginally easier to use, but it also puts him at the same price as Backstabber, Wampa with TC,

Obsidian Squadron Pilot (3%)
(13)

The OSP has an identity crisis going on. While a fine choice if needing to win a PS war against PS1-2, right now the PS to beat is 3 - leaving this ship tying with its opponents. For one point less, you get an Academy Pilot to block with (and an init bid if it's your last 13 points). For one point more, you get Wampa. For two points more, you get BSP with Crackshot. The percentage bump comes from a few months ago; without that it'd be sitting at a 2% usage.

"Winged Gundark" (0%)
(15)

Winged Gundark is... interesting. Changing a hit to a crit is never a bad ability, even restricted to Range 1. Of all the pilots, this is the one I feel least certain about putting in Rank C, but honestly I'd rather pick a CrackBlack for reliability over WG's ability, and his standings are the lowest of any named TIE since he's been introduced - usually at 0%.

"Youngster" (.2%)
Rage (16)
Marksmanship, Hull Upgrade (21)

Youngster is going to be broken someday, I am sure of it. That day is not today. His ability is to grant any EPT with the Action header to any TIE/LNs or /FOs within Range 1-3, a huge radius of effect, and if there is ever released a perfect EPT he will bring TIE swarms back with a vengeance. Right now, he's a fun guy with potential, but his standard TIE limits and the fact his ability only works with other basic TIEs is kind of a cramp. The following EPTs are examined more closely:

Daredevil: No. Dealing damage to your frail TIES for Boost?
Expert Handling: No. If Deadeye weren't a thing, this would be okay for countering low-PS ordnance.
Expose: ...Maybe. TIEs are gonna die anyway, and buffing their damage in a big swarm would be pretty scary. Backstabber with 5 dice?
Marksmanship: ...Maybe. A buffed Focus action that gives Crits? About the best general option, though don't forget that you lose the defensive aspect of Focus.
Rage: ...Maybe. In a TIE/FO swarm with Epsilon Leader helping to remove the stress, giving a TL+Focus Action is not terrible - but the double stress hurts regular TIEs badly with their underwhelming greens. And it's cheap.
Squad Leader: Hahaha, no.

RANK F


So, any thoughts? Remember that the tiering isn't against the pilots of the same ships, but viewed as an Imperial whole. Youngster may be fun, but he's pretty limited and there are just better options, for example - even if I do love Rage Swarms.

This is good work.

Wampa is not Rank S. Wampa's good but he needs Palpatine. Without him, he's got an unreliable ability that needs to be reliable to work.

Howlrunner below Wampa? Again, no. Howlrunner is the named TIE pilot, game defining since Wave 1. If anything deserves S, it's Howlrunner. Who, for the record, should not be stacked with upgrades. Throwing more points on public enemy number one is generally inadvisable.

Academy Pilot, the benchmark for the whole game's balance, at B?

Obsidian below Chaser is just outright wrong. And Obsidian below Winged Gundark? If it wouldn't be overly harsh I'd laugh at that.

And therein lies the problem with trying to objectively assign pilot quality. It's subjective.

FINALLY. SOME WORTHWHILE DISCUSSION.

I am all for this. Tier list of pilots in this game would be awesome. Some are oddly against this, but I say GOOOO FOR ITTTT.

I think you've laid out a good frame work here, but here are my thoughts on what could be adjusted.

-I feel like Wampa should be dropped to A rank. I do believe he is the most usable Tie Fighter pilot currently, but I think he only reaches S rank when he is paired with Palp, which, inherently makes him... well... not S rank, since S rank states a pilot needs no real additional support. I think Wampa does. He is on the fringe of S rank, but I would say falls just short.

-Mauler Mithel should be dropped a pin down to C. He just looks so out of place next to Scourge, DC and BS, who, while they may not see consistent play, are all picked up before Mauler. Mauler is probably the least valued pilot of that bunch by quite a bit, and fits in nicely with the crew in rank C.

-Obsidian at rank F???? Obsidian swarm, while suffering a bit due to the PS push created by Contracted Scouts, is still a terrifying site to behold. I would almost put them at B, but I would be satisfied if they were at C. But F? No way.

It is important to note, that the Obsidian's role is to beat out the Academy. Obsidian swarms beat Academy swarms.

I agree with approximately none of this.

Wampa at Rank S? No. Wampa's good but he needs Palpatine. Without him, he's got an unreliable ability that needs to be reliable to work.

Howlrunner below Wampa? Again, no. Howlrunner is the named TIE pilot, game defining since Wave 1. If anything deserves S, it's Howlrunner. Who, for the record, should not be stacked with upgrades.

Academy Pilot, the benchmark for the whole game's balance, at B?

Obsidian below Chaser is just outright wrong. And Obsidian below Winged Gundark? If it wouldn't be overly harsh I'd laugh at that.

And therein lies the problem with trying to objectively assign pilot quality. It's subjective.

But hey, it's good discussion, don't you agree? Even if the actual tier list portion of it is never going to satisfy?

I think, even if we don't appease everyone, we could actually get these pilots in tiers pretty close to where they should be, seeing as both of our disagreements with OPs list are pretty similar.

And ya, after looking at it again, Winged Gundark should probably be F. I'd probably throw Youngster there too.

It is important to note, that the Obsidian's role is to beat out the Academy. Obsidian swarms beat Academy swarms.

And every PS1 and 2 in the game. They get simultaneous fire with U-boats too.

But hey, it's good discussion, don't you agree? Even if the actual tier list portion of it is never going to satisfy?

Discussion of the roles of each pilot, sure. Trying to rank them linearly? Some pilots are niche. Some have yet to be cracked (look how long the Lambda took to take off). Some are popular due to convention rather than strength.

The breakdown of OP's views on each pilot is a good discussion. Trying to rank them is an exercise in futility.

It is important to note, that the Obsidian's role is to beat out the Academy. Obsidian swarms beat Academy swarms.

And every PS1 and 2 in the game. They get simultaneous fire with U-boats too.

Ya a Obsidian swarm with a point or 2 for initiative doesn't seem like a bad list at all in the current meta.

I agree with approximately none of this.

Wampa at Rank S? No. Wampa's good but he needs Palpatine. Without him, he's got an unreliable ability that needs to be reliable to work.

Howlrunner below Wampa? Again, no. Howlrunner is the named TIE pilot, game defining since Wave 1. If anything deserves S, it's Howlrunner. Who, for the record, should not be stacked with upgrades.

Academy Pilot, the benchmark for the whole game's balance, at B?

Obsidian below Chaser is just outright wrong. And Obsidian below Winged Gundark? If it wouldn't be overly harsh I'd laugh at that.

And therein lies the problem with trying to objectively assign pilot quality. It's subjective.

But hey, it's good discussion, don't you agree? Even if the actual tier list portion of it is never going to satisfy?

I think, even if we don't appease everyone, we could actually get these pilots in tiers pretty close to where they should be, seeing as both of our disagreements with OPs list are pretty similar.

And ya, after looking at it again, Winged Gundark should probably be F. I'd probably throw Youngster there too.

Their is some clear flaws to the methodology.

After reading through it again, Wampa is categorically not S.

Rank S is for pilots which are strong and consistent on their own, requiring little outside support to inflict damage and dodge it, and at an acceptable points cost

Nor, come to think of it, is Howlrunner or any ship with a support ability by definition. And Howlrunner was the original broken pilot.

I appreciate the very clear definitions; essential to any discussions

Still feel tier lists are an excercize in futility. Subjective objectivity isn't a thing we can hope to achieve

Thanks for your thoughts, and I WANT argument too!

Part of the ranking of the OSP is the fact that since Wave 8 hit, no OSP has made a cut . It's at 0% currently among TIE/LN usage in cut-ranked players. Even in non-cut usage, the OSP is 3% of TIE Fighter points spent - that's below all three of the attack-buffing pilots, and even less than Scourge. When you look at it, you can see why - for two points more a Crackblack is just more reliable and that swarm beats down an Obsidian Swarm without tying with U-Boats. Even before Wave 8 it was sliding quickly.

Wampa was at Rank A in my first writeup, but in looking at the usage stats he's broken 10% consistently since his release, so I moved him up... but yeah, I'm perfectly willing to go with my gut and put him at A. It makes more sense - he's strong, but Sheev makes him awesome, and he's not the equal of Darth Vader or even Poe Dameron.

And despite Howlrunner's storied history, she's sliding downwards - despite general usage sitting at 15% of all TIE/LNs, among cut-ranked players she was a mere 4%. It makes me sad, I've loved Howlie-chan for a long time, but she just ain't cutting it any more. (get it?) She's not bad, but she's also not GREAT in an era with so much dice modification available.

Winged Gundark at F I could see, he's pretty bad, but Youngster is more categorically a Rank C option - interesting usage, could be a funsie mechanic, has potential to sweep, but compared to the other options he's not up to snuff... yet.

Personally I think wampa should be moved to rank A as he NEEDS palpy to be truly effective.

I agree with kdubb winged gundark and youngster are not to great right now.

Part of the ranking of the OSP is the fact that since Wave 8 hit, no OSP has made a cut .

So what? Tournament usage and quality do not necessarily match up. I'd say they usually don't.

Tournaments tend towards homogeny because a very large proportion copy "the best lists". Those lists are then played more, which means more are entered and they win more. A tournament where Whisper is in every list will have Whisper in the winning list.

The Obsidian has competition from just about every side: it's a low PS TIE fighter.

Wampa was at Rank A in my first writeup, but in looking at the usage stats he's broken 10% consistently since his release, so I moved him up...

Because PalpAces is the current fad and he synergises with Palpatine.

And despite Howlrunner's storied history, she's sliding downwards - despite general usage sitting at 15% of all TIE/LNs, among cut-ranked players she was a mere 4%. It makes me sad, I've loved Howlie-chan for a long time, but she just ain't cutting it any more. (get it?) She's not bad, but she's also not GREAT in an era with so much dice modification available.

Howlrunner is amazing. Her usage is lower for two reasons: one, more options around. Back in the early waves you didn't have nearly as many choices. Second, TIE swarms are taxing to play. People like easy power, and TIE swarms fail on the easy. Same thing is happening to Dual Aggressor now that it's no longer new.

Howlrunner is the core of the TIE swarm, and there are fewer TIE swarms around.

for two points more a Crackblack is just more reliable and that swarm beats down an Obsidian Swarm without tying with U-Boats.

It's not two points though because TIEs are run in many, many multiples, hence a much cheaper PS curve than more expensive ships. How many Black Squadrons in a Crackshot swarm? 6? That's 12 more points.

Winged Gundark at F I could see, he's pretty bad, but Youngster is more categorically a Rank C option - interesting usage, could be a funsie mechanic, has potential to sweep, but compared to the other options he's not up to snuff... yet.

Youngster without his ability is a mere 15 points for PS6 EPT, a use for him that hasn't been fully explored yet. His main problem is as you said that there isn't an action EPT that TIE fighters really want at this point. Marks is another way to make Wampa work but it comes at a defensive penalty of a sort.

Sure the rankings are inherently subjective, but they're useful as a basis for discussion. Not everyone has to evaluate every pilot the same way. The meta changes and different pilots will rise and fall in reaction to the changes. Except Gundark. Until there's a title that lets him take an EPT he will forever be cleaning toilets aboard the Avenger .

Howlrunner is more than just her ability. She's PS8 and has an EPT slot, one of only 4 named pilots that get one.

I thought Obsidians were on the rise recently in reaction to quad TLT y-wings, which are still a thing, and have potential against Uboats by either moving and shooting first or arc dodging depending on initiative. I understand of course that Black Squadron with crackshot is all the rage right now.

Howlrunner is more than just her ability. She's PS8 and has an EPT slot, one of only 4 named pilots that get one.

I can't see Howlrunner taken to not use her ability. Youngster has price going for him in that department, but I don't see Howlrunner really competing with Scourge or Mithel as an EPT lone TIE.

Your methodology and considerations are recovering extremely large variance and disdain. It means you have injected your own bias that others are contrary to in opinion.

You have fundamentally opinionated ways of caregorization.

Look for instance at usage. The Pokemon competitive tiers are based on objective usage percentage.

Your methodology and considerations are recovering extremely large variance and disdain. It means you have injected your own bias that others are contrary to in opinion.

You have fundamentally opinionated ways of caregorization.

Look for instance at usage. The Pokemon competitive tiers are based on objective usage percentage.

Uh.

I started with usage. Then I ranked them according to that usage, and filled out my own thoughts as to why they are at that usage.

You might try reading the actual post, then you would have found that out.

If it had been my opinion, for example, Backstabber would be A (ability easy to trigger for very cheap extra damage, powerful against everything except Aces), but at usage he's average over the last few months at 5% of general and 3% of cut-ranked players - therefore he's at best B.

OSP has been sliding for months - even before Wave 8 (and U-boats hit) he was below 10% of general and 5% of cut-ranked ships. Those arguing that "he beats TLT users" should to note that slide was during the height of the TLT panic. Now he's at 3% and 0%. He's fundamentally flawed when compared to other TIE options, and the marginal use (he's got PS3) is no good when a huge threat is ALSO at PS3.

I appreciate the very clear definitions; essential to any discussions

Still feel tier lists are an excercize in futility. Subjective objectivity isn't a thing we can hope to achieve

Tier lists are really pretty dumb and no time should be spent on them for this game. This isn't an LCG or CCG.

Nothing good can come of this.

Usage doesn't match power. Your instincts will give you a much better appraisal than tournament data will.

He's fundamentally flawed when compared to other TIE options

Obsidian is literally the cheapest you can get without being an Academy Pilot. +1 point +2 PS generics are very good value. Obsidian's issue is that it isn't really needed at the moment: when it is it'll steal the limelight from a few Academies.

I appreciate the very clear definitions; essential to any discussions

Still feel tier lists are an excercize in futility. Subjective objectivity isn't a thing we can hope to achieve

Tier lists are really pretty dumb and no time should be spent on them for this game. This isn't an LCG or CCG.

Nothing good can come of this.

Right right. Nothing good can come of this. In that case...

Back to the ID discussions!

/sarcasm

The ranking also seems to be based purely on how the ship does by itself. Which is pointless in a game that uses multiple ships.

Usage doesn't match power. Your instincts will give you a much better appraisal than tournament data will.

He's fundamentally flawed when compared to other TIE options

Obsidian is literally the cheapest you can get without being an Academy Pilot. +1 point +2 PS generics are very good value. Obsidian's issue is that it isn't really needed at the moment: when it is it'll steal the limelight from a few Academies.

And when he is needed and is used by players, his tier ranking will rise - that's how a mobile tier in a non-static game works.

The ranking also seems to be based purely on how the ship does by itself. Which is pointless in a game that uses multiple ships.

First off, the pilots are ranked based on how much players use them, specifically how much players which make a cut in a tournament use them. So to say "It's based purely on how well the ship does by itself" is a strong indicator of how well a ship works in a list , based on that criteria.

But seriously, this isn't a hard concept to grasp.

A ship that does well by itself is always a good choice, and therefore ranks higher. A ship that needs other ships to work is only sometimes good, and because of that need for support ranks lower.

Obviously it's not about 1v1, otherwise Howlrunner (which is a great piece but is all about support) would rank lower, and other ships that work well by themselves (Backstabber and Dark Curse) rank lower because of other factors.

But seriously, this isn't a hard concept to grasp.

A ship that does well by itself is always a good choice, and therefore ranks higher. A ship that needs other ships to work is only sometimes good, and because of that need for support ranks lower.

And why is that? X-Wing is in many ways about synergistic squadbuilding: the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Ranking based on lone competence will rank a ship that performs well alone higher than a ship that performs better than it as part of a group.

I think I need to make something clearer, and I'll do so at the beginnning of the next instalment:

A tier list like this one is ranking a pilot based on how well it does in tournament play and is meant to define them based on that metric. Whether a pilot 'might be good' or 'I won a Store Championship' is irrelevant; if it doesn't show up in tournament play at the highest level, making at least a cut, then it is by definition a low tier.

That's why I started with the List Juggler stats, which is a solid collection of data over a long-term of X-Wing playing.

I AM NOT TRYING TO SAY YOU SHOULD ONLY USE TOP TIER PILOTS . Quite the contrary. Back in my Street Fighter Alpha days I used Dan Hibiki exclusively because it was GREAT to knock an Akuma player on their ass using the worst character in the game.

But understanding the power gaps between various pilots can only make all of us better players.

But seriously, this isn't a hard concept to grasp.

A ship that does well by itself is always a good choice, and therefore ranks higher. A ship that needs other ships to work is only sometimes good, and because of that need for support ranks lower.

And why is that? X-Wing is in many ways about synergistic squadbuilding: the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Ranking based on lone competence will rank a ship that performs well alone higher than a ship that performs better than it as part of a group.

If you make one weapon out of tempered steel parts, the other out of balsa wood parts, and swing them out each other, which one wins?

Palp Aces is strong because each of its possible components (Whisper, Darth Vader, Omega Leader, OGP with Palpatine, Wampa, Soontir Fel, Carnor Jax) is strong individually and together they make a terrific voltron. U-Boats is strong because each ship is a cheap terror by itself. Rebel Regen was strong because both Miranda Donei and Poe were A+ pilots, putting them together was just better.

If all that mattered was how well the individual components worked together, rather than how good the components were, then...

That would be awesome! It would be GREAT if a guy could bring a Kyle Katarn in a Moldy Crow passing focus tokens to his X-Wing pals so their Proton Torpedoes dealt more damage, and have a fair match against a PalpAces list.

That is not possible with game balance as it is. All pilots are not equal, and pretending that "a good list can make them equal" is only hurting your own ability to evaluate pilots.

Making a list of out weak components may be FUN, and a GOOD player can indeed pilot a weak list to victory (I loved watching that guy take Scum HWKs to a SC victory last month), but but a GOOD player can pilot a GOOD list to victory with regularity.