Most people seem to be hesitant to take Maarek to battle because he just doesn't stand up to the slightly more expensive and infinitely more awesome, Vader. But after looking at the stat line for the HWK-290, it seems like it would be more succeptable to critical damage (which Maareks ability helps make more potent) with only one shield. Could Maarek (+cluster missles+marksmanship) see more tabletime from imperial players trying to take down squads based on the support abilities of the HWK-290?

On a side note, I'm not an EU guy and have been pronouncing HWK as hawk just 'cuz it's easier. Is that permissable?

Edit: i dont have my x-wing stuff in front of me at the moment but i seem to remember a critical that negated elite and unique pilot skills. Im not suggesting anyone rely on the possibility of dealing this particular crit. Im just saying itd be cool. Of course a direct hit is always welcome!

Yes, there's a crit that neuters any pilot skill, but it's a very rare one. I think there are only 2 of those in the deck.

Yes, only 2. Not saying it makes maarek more viable but the hwk will certai-ly be susceptible to crits with so few shields and any crit can cock up a game plan.

Think that's one readon bwing will be popular, low hull but plenty of shields.

I think crit dealing abilities will get a boost in this wave. The majority of ships coming in this wave have an equal or higher hull value than shield value. So post wave three there will be:

Shuttle 5 shields, 5 hull

HWK 1 shield, 4 hull

Bomber 0 shield, 6 hull

Firespray 4 shields, 6 hull

YT-1300 4/5 shields, 6/8 hull (generic/unique)

Y-wing 3 shields, 5 hull

Also the Tie-Ln and Tie-In are pretty susceptible to crits but their high agility generally makes it harder to inflict. All told that brings us up to 6/12 ships that you will likely want to be trying to throw crits onto, I think that makes things with crit related abilities a lot better.

I know I personally want to be giving Maarek more air time so I've been experimenting a bit.