The Ruthless strategists card says that a squadron engaged with the squadron that you are falling can be pinged for 1 damage. Does that also apply to heavy squadrons?

Heavy Squadrons still Engage.

They just don't provide most of the benefits of doing so.

This is important when you have Escorts under an Enemy Intel.

Because you're still Engaging, Escort still applies. But you are no longer limited to shooting at Squadrons exclusively. It results in IF you shoot at Squadrons, you still must shoot an Escort you're Engaged with, but you're no longer beholding to the "IF you Shoot, you must shoot at Squadrons", and can still Bomb a Ship instead.

Thanks. I was just playing with the idea of using a Quasar II with ruthless strategists, and some TIE bombers as the victims.

2 hours ago, flatpackhamster said:

Thanks. I was just playing with the idea of using a Quasar II with ruthless strategists, and some TIE bombers as the victims.

From my personal experience, that is an excellent way to use Ruthless.

12 hours ago, flatpackhamster said:

Thanks. I was just playing with the idea of using a Quasar II with ruthless strategists, and some TIE bombers as the victims.

If they are true imperial pilots, they are not victims, they are volunteers