It's a really great upgrade, but I don't think it's really useful to plan for him before the game starts. I mean, planning a 2 command ship to use SFO means that you might be tempted to actually plan the commands for him rather than using him to get some odd command you might want or need.

I've been thinking of 2 ISDs + Demolisher (or an Interdoctor repair ship) and you don't have too many points left after covering the needed upgrades so 3 first officers might be a good addition of flexibility.

Combined with Relentless, a Skilled First Officer can make that ISD command on a dime when necessary. That's a somewhat appealing combination if I didn't have other title plans for that ISD.

This. The Relentless and a Skilled FO be a 4 point upgrade that turns a ISD into a 1 command ship for 2 turns is amazing.

I also think slicer tools give more reasons to use the liaison officers. They kinda give a lot of flexibilities especially with carrier builds.

For me (Favorite Commander)+Leia+comms net on a flotilla is the best 5pts you can buy for a 18pt ship. You can give a token and change the top dial on ANY ship within 1-5. Priceless in the slicer tool world we live in now, espcially since she can be used in every round!