So, my current list I'm running at my flgs league nights is Backdraft, Col. Vessery, and Lt. Kestal. I just picked up another /sf and was looking at replacing Vessery, as I find the /sf to be a little softer than a /x7, but the secondary arc and tech makes it more offensive and maneuverable, other than the predictable white 4K. With two /sf's and an /ag, I'm not strictly locked into forward arcs anymore. Switching to Quickdraw will help alleviate some PS issues I've come across. Here is my current consideration:

"Quickdraw" (29)
Veteran Instincts (1)
Fire-Control System (2)
Pattern Analyzer (2)
Lightweight Frame (2)
Special Ops Training (0)

"Backdraft" (27)
Trick Shot (0)
Fire-Control System (2)
Pattern Analyzer (2)
Lightweight Frame (2)
Special Ops Training (0)

Lieutenant Kestal (22)
Intensity (2)
Ion Cannon Turret (5)
Lightweight Frame (2)

Total: 100

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I usually run Wired on Backdraft due to the stress caused by hard 1's, sloops, and such, but with Pattern Analyzer I usually still have a Focus for one attack, but not both attacks and defense. I had to drop it to squeeze VI onto QD to reach PS 11. Trick Shot also benefits both arcs, which it is not unusual for one of the attacks to be obstructed. My question is : would it be better to drop VI on QD and take Adaptability +1 for PS 10 and put Wired on Backdraft, or keep VI and Trick Shot, or some other recommendation?

Thanks for your advice.

Put Adaptability on QuickDraw and run VI on Backdraft, he really benefits from higher PS.

Drop Intensity from Kestal. Intensity is good on ships that either get multiple tokens, or benefit from tokens without spending them. Kestal is neither. Use the points saved to give both Kestal and Backdraft better EPT's. Wired, VI, Crack, etc.

If you're using your aggressor as a control ship, I'd drop Kestal for Double Edge. Saves you 3 points or more if you drop intensity, or if you're just looking for one or two, putting deadeye and synced turret on Kestal maximizes her damage while keeping her target choices open. I'm not sure if there's much merit to running both QD and Backdraft at PS9, but it might be fun to play around with depending on your local meta.

As a future note, Advanced Optics from the TIE silencer looks like a comms relay but for focus tokens. If that's the case and depending on it's cost, that might be a decent replacement for PA.

I appreciate the input, but Kestal's build in the list is pretty set. It is a control and area denial piece, so no swapping ICT for Synced/Deadeye. Kestal benefits from Intensity due to being able to barrel roll into position as needed while continuing to have the necessary Focus token for her pilot ability. Barring getting Focus from other sources, such as Hux or Fleet Officer, she is pretty dependent on Intensity or PtL to be able to BR and Focus in the same turn, and I prefer Intensity to PtL on her. I've been able to flip it on her rather easily. Double Edge lacks the ability to threaten AT aces which are in my local meta, so I don't see any benefit from using Double Edge for this role in a list. I expect to see more of them with Guns for Hire coming out.

Really just looking for input on QD and BD's EPT's with a very tight budget.

Backdraft gets a lot of work done, often from both arcs in a turn, which was why I was considering Wired or Trick Shot for him, since the former really helps when you are stressed and have multiple outgoing and multiple incoming shots. The idea of running him at PS 9 and QD at PS 10 is an interesting one, however. I really wanted QD in the list as my high PS ace since there have been a few times where I've had to chase around a high PS double-repositioning ace. QD could pressure them with at 10 or 11 with rolling, FCS, and multiple arcs to keep shots on them. Having BD at 9 also gives me another high PS ace if my opponent isn't trying for 10's or 11's.

Advanced Optics looks interesting as well.