So i used to play a lot of Turr Phenir as a cheap 28 point jouster till he was out mettaed. Then I played a lot of Inquisitor. I have a lot of squadron + Ace lists, where I try and find that sweet spot of 28 point ace. I like to have something with a high PS, and hopefully 3 attack and 3 defense. For Example:

Turr Phennir (28)
TIE Interceptor (25), Veteran Instincts (1), Autothrusters (2)

PS9 - 3 attack, 3 defense + Autothrusters, And can move after shooting. At PS9 he ALMOST allways moves last, shoots first, and then gets to move again.

The Inquisitor (28)
TIE Advanced Prototype (25), Veteran Instincts (1), TIE/v1 (1), Twin Ion Engine Mk. II (1)

PS 10 - 3 Attack (2+allways at short range), 3 defense. Plus Target Lock and evade every round means, 3 attack + rerolls, and 3 defense + evade every round.

“Duchess” (28)
TIE Striker (23), Veteran Instincts (1), Adaptive Ailerons (0), Engine Upgrade (4)

PS 10 - 3 attack, 2 defense, Hull 4.
So I was not a fan of the Tie Striker. The ship looks like a fat bumblee. But I got one anyway to keep FFG alive. And I was looking at the sheer manuverability of it. With Dutchess, if flying as a close range knife fighter, you can be so dang flexibile in your movement. At PS10 you almost always move last.. You then choose to pre-move using adaptive alerons or not, Then make your move, Then decide to boost or not. You can literally fly circles around anyone. However in a meta where TLT have returned. I dont know if she would survive.

Thoughts?

My favorite Duchess uses Lone Wolf. I tried VI twice and hated the lack of dice mods.

Against a single TLT, Adaptive Ailerons is sufficient to keep Duchess in the donut. Multiple TLT's will shred any Striker.

My typical duchess carries predator, ailerons, and LW Frame. 28 points, can reposition without much offensive loss. Solid ship.

I think engine upgrade is a too expensive on Duchess. Need to keep her cheap. At PS10 and her ability you should be able to dodge arcs without EU. TLTs are gonna get her either way.

The best way to keep Duchess alive is to also fly VI Pure Sabacc.