I'm sure this has been asked before, but I just wanted to bring it up again. Has anyone tried to out-skill their opponents as Imperials? I was thinking something like:

At the KR tourneys I went to, most of the Rebel players are going with 4 ship squads specifically to deal with the Imp numerical advantage. Even with their skills, it looks like you'd be at a severe disadvantage in a 4 vs 4 situation verses Rebs.

To better exploit your intent, I'd recommend swapping Howlrunner for Backstabber.  You just don't have any synergy in your list, and in my opinion, that will be more important in a 'short list'  It also raises your average Pilot Skill.

Done. With the extra point, gave Vader Determination.

I've had pretty good success with:

Vader - Squad Leader

Maarek - Marksmanship and Cluster Missles

Howlrunner

Mauler

It's kinda fragile, but it has been fun to play with.  

doesnt stop me from setting up a screen

I'd go with:

Vader

Soontir Fel

Howlrunner

Turr Phennir w/ Vet Instincts

Three skill 9 pilots, two in TIE Interceptors, and Howlrunner at skill 8.

I haven't seen Vet Instincts yet, so it must be from Slave I or Millenium Falcon. Is it +2 skill?

Yes, it is a 1-pt Elite talent that comes with both the Falcon and Slave-1 (I think), that gives the pilot +2 skill.

Darn. There are so many good cards with both ships but I haven't managed to win either yet. I haven't read assault missiles yet, but would that help an elite squadron cut back on an opposing horde?

Assault missiles will greatly help against swarms.  Target someone like Howlrunner, and get a damage on each ship within range 1 of her.  Just be careful cuz it is all ships, friend or foe.  

I think the swarms have already been busted.  Imperial lists simply didn't show at the tournaments this past weekend, and the problem with the Swarm in a timed game is the fact it almost gaurantees nothing more than a modified match win in a mirror match.  I also don't think most people want to invest the $90-$120 to pull off a swarm list.  Additionally, Rebel combos are just much more fun to come up with, and now with the Interceptors' abilities and the Firespray and the emerging Rebel abilities to break swarms if they do appear?  I'd be planning for smaller Imperial builds.