A list I was tinkering with had 13 points to spare. My ships were fully upgraded, except munitions.

So I was thinking, what's better filler? An Academy Pilot with Twin Ion Engines, or an Obsidian Squadron Pilot?

Twin Ions only make three banks green. An Academy gets Predator'd like no one's business, but PS 1 lets it block well. An extra green move might make him very slightly more survivable than an Obsidian, but not much, and what good is a lone Academy Pilot? Bank three is one of my least used moves, anyways.

Obsidian Squadron flies better with my Lt. Cozlett and is immune to Predator. He'd also be able to use my Howlrunner more than an Academy, probably, because he'd shoot before most generics, unlike Academy's PS 1. PS 3 isn't that good though.

Thoughts?

Take the academy, since a single tie isn't good for much else but blocking anyway. Leave off twin ion and keep a point for initiative.