One of the most common topics I see pop up on these forums are requests for budget lists - someone has a Core set and maybe some other boxes/packs and they're looking to play skirmish. They don't want to be super-competitive, but want to have >0% chance of winning the game.

Before they introduced the Standard set rotation, icy-veins had a really nice collection of Hearhstone decks for each class, with 7 budget ranges each. I think something like this could be really useful for new IA players, as it makes the progression towards a stronger army seem more gradual and you don't feel like you're "wasting" money buying something you end up not needing.

The budget ranks could be like this:

0 ... Core Set (probably not worth it)
1 ... + Jabba's Realm OR Core Set + 1 big box
2 ... + 2-3 packs
3 ... + 1 small box OR 2-3 packs OR 1 big box
4 ... + 3-4 packs
5 ... just buy everything

OR

0 ... $ 0 (assuming everyone starts with the Core Set)
1 ... $ 30
2 ... $ 60
3 ... $ 100
4 ... $ 150
5 ... $ 200
6 ... $ 300
7 ... $ 500

Or even a system that distinguishes whether you're happy playing with tokens and proxy extra deployment cards.

Example:

SCUM rank 1: Core+Jabba's
If you want to play Scum, Jabba's Realm is the single best investment you can make. Elite Weequays are the most popular unit in the game right now, while the rest of the units will provide a nice level of extra punch.

eWeequay
Vinto
Onar
rGamorrean
eNexu
Shyla
Indentured Jester
Devious Scheme

(On the lam, Tools for the job, Run for cover, Close the Gap, Bladestorm, Draw!, Extra protection, Glory of the kill, Price on their heads, Pummel, Take initiative, Urgency, Fleet footed, Celebration, Element of surprise)

If you're fine using a proxy card for your second pair of Weequay pirates, you can replace the Gamorreans and Jester with them.

SCUM rank 2: Core+Jabba's+Jabba+Hired Guns
If you want a powerful leader for your army of Scum, Jabba is the logical choice. His pack also includes the extremely powerful Assassinate command card, which you will use even if you end up leaving Jabba at home.

Jabba
2 eWeequay
Vinto
Onar
2 Hired Gun
Black Market

(Assassinate, On the lam, Tools for the job, Run for cover, Draw!, Extra protection, Pickpocket, Marksman, Smuggled supplies, Celebration, Element of surprise, Urgency, Fleet footed, Rally, Take initiative)

etc.

Anyone else think this might be useful?

My opinion on scum is that Greedo is a staple as well.....because GIA. Given his low deployment cost, solid attack ,and range, mixed with all the shenanigans you can pull with his Parting Shot. He's also cheaper than the hired guns if that were to play a part in the decision. That said, your Merc ranking is spot on otherwise.

Your ranking system is great and would very much help new players!

If they have core, they won't have 3PO but can still temp alliance in Gideon for 4 points. That seems like a must if someone is trying to be mildly competitive.

You can also do the same with droids and Jawas. I haven't looked at the command cards, but ig88, Jawas, probe droids and your pick of the BT,Choppa,R2 packs should get you going in an all droid list,

Command cards are the issue with things like this. I think that basing the ranking on the assumption that people have the Core Set is best for that reason.

I agree, CCs are such a big part of the game that choosing which packs to buy should (at least partially) be influenced by which CCs they contain. A system such as this could be useful specifically because it could take that into account.