Grabbed my set last night. We had three games going at the FLGS, and a couple of spectators (including some folks who gtfo but were curious about the results of the faq). I decided to go whole hog, and ran Dalan/Guri/Thweek.
I gave Thweek the Virago in this iteration, with Advanced Sensors, and both Guri and Dalan sported Predator to make repositioning more palatable.
First match vs a Fenn/Guri/Palob, and I mimicked Fenn. My dice were not friendly - it required something like ten shots to kill Palob, and I never touched Guri. I also should have shadowed Fenn (copy PS) since I had inititiative. I feel that I flew relatively well, getting several good blocks on Fenn and staying consistently in Palob's donut hile, but I just couldn't capitalize. 28(?)-100 loss.
Second match vs Manaroo/Jostero/Thweek. I didn't bother Thweeking anyone, as the abilities were next to useless to my list and the PS was the same - which was the reason he chose them, my opponent said. He Thweeked my Guri. My dice heated up, and the superior maneuverability of the Mk.II title shone like the sun. Manaroo gone in I think three shots, then Jostero without triggering ability or Harpoons. Running the 'Vipers through the asteroids, disrupting his formation, was big. 100-29 win.
Thoughts on the "new" 'Vipers:
1) ****, that new title is cool. I mean, we already knew that. But with some practice, Mk.II could make three- and four-'Viper lists actually competitive!
2) The decision of where to put the Virago, and which system to take, is truly difficult. I think any of the named pilots will be fine - it's down to your preference in playstyle. And again, practice the **** out of it to get the best mileage.
3) Dice still suck.
4) While a 3'Viper list can be done, I think it is probably a better plan to use a different, scarier ship as a third. Or multiple cheap ordnance toters, maybe.
5) While much improved, the 'Viper is still an extremely unforgiving ship. But way too much fun to stop flying!
Fly scummy!