Which do you think is better?

4x Baron of the Empire + Crack Shot + Autothrusters + Proton Rockets

PS 4 Crack

or

4x Green Squadron Pilot + Crack Shot + Autothrusters + Proton Rockets + A-Wing test pilot + Adaptability

A-Wings are a bit more expensive, loses Barrel Roll, gains Evade

or

5x Omega Squadron Pilot + Crack Shot + Weapons Guidance

(take focus, either convert blank to hit or eyes to hit)

black squad. Go cheap, get as many as you can, bring howl for rerolls.

I'd say Barons, if only for the sake of my personal bias to the TAP and the increased lifespan you get from the ability to effectively arc dodge because of a barrel roll to get ATs. I would find a way to squeeze in the V1 title on them for that first engagement at range 3. I recommend making one a sienar TAP or a cheap /fo ace for harassment which can even allow you to have a fun flanker. I know it moves away from the archetype slightly but it makes the list a little more tanky when you need it.

Also a corollary- if you drop the prockets and AT entirely you can give them all V/1 and have a 5th TAP. you lose AT(obviously) but gain another body with the simultaneous attack and defense buff of V/1.

10 points wasted on weapons guidance could instead be

1 point to upgrade to crack Howlrunner

8 points to upgrade to juke relay omega leader

1 point bid for enemy inq

10 points wasted on weapons guidance could instead be

1 point to upgrade to crack Howlrunner

8 points to upgrade to juke relay omega leader

1 point bid for enemy inq

Well it was ranked 2nd after Swiss in US nats so I guess it is worth a look.