Equip a Saber Squadron Pilot with Veteran Instincts and Royal Guard Tie . Is that allowed?

No, because Royal Guard Tie is not out yet.

But seriously, unless I'm missing something I don't see why not - one is an elite pilot skill, the other is a title. Named YT and Firespray pilots can take a title and an elite pilot skill, so why couldn't a Saber?

Err, durrr I see what you're saying. Sorry. I *was* missing something. Oy.

Uhh yeah I think so. There's a bit of debate over when VI comes into play - for instance, do you get to use the upgraded pilot skill during placement of ships? - but I think the general consensus is that yes, it is "active" the moment you assign it to your ship.

I don't understand the argument on when VI comes into play, it would basically mean the pilot forgot that he was a veteran pilot before he got into action

I don't really understand it either, for what it's worth. The argument seems to somehow go that it doesn't come into play, so to speak, until it comes into play . Like, after the game starts. But someone else pointed out several other things that wouldn't make any sense if that were the case - like taking the Slave-1 title and purchasing torpedoes. If the title didn't take effect the minute it was assigned to the ship during set-up, when/how would you be ABLE to give it torpedoes?

This question actually becomes amusingly self-referential.

If upgrades aren't "active" during the squadron selection process, then VI can't boost a Saber Squadron enough to take a Royal Guard TIE. BUT... if that's true, then Royal Guard TIE isn't active either, and doesn't let you take the second modification.

If the Royal Guard TIE is active to let you select a second modification, then all upgrades - including VI - must be active, and you have the higher pilot skill required to take the Royal Guard TIE.

Especially now that we have a second upgrade that modifies squadron selection rules, I think we can safely enshrine "All abilities are active at all times, even during squad selection".

Ok that is a pretty funny logic train.

The other thing is that a Saber Squadron pilot with VI and a Royal Guard pilot are the same PS, and the same points cost. So the point is moot.

The other thing is that a Saber Squadron pilot with VI and a Royal Guard pilot are the same PS, and the same points cost. So the point is moot.

In fact, RGP is still better, because he has his Elite Pilot Talent slot still free.