I still think the main non-swarm option for empire is four ships. Does anyone have any suggestions on how the interceptor or the bomber can improve those lists?

You can fit Vader, Soontir, a named striker and a 30 point TIE fighter, but I don't know if the interceptor is better than Vermeil or another striker. And I can't find a use for the bomber. Any sugestions?

From memory when I tried it previously, Howl, Maarek, Duchess and someone is not dreadful. Very, very wobbly on variance though.

4-ship empire wasn't doing particularly well in Hyperspace so far. The best bet is likely still the TIE swarm if your goal is to make cut.

The TIE salad really likes Countdown though, and Wampa is pretty much set, too. Changing Vermeil with Soontir completely changes the squad and the idea and doesn't fit together anymore.

Personally I'd love to try a Vader Soontir 2x Alpha list. Hyper offensive variance fest with just 14HP in the list!

Also consider that three-ship Empire aces are getting more viable in Hyperspace with the entrance of Soontir. This squad made the Extended top 4 at the Eindhoven system open. It's now Hyperspace legal. (This squad has a 12 point bid. I'd also note that the FO squad that made the final - Kylo/Blackout/Midnight - 11 point bid - was already Hyperspace legal.)