The only thing I would change is to have the named pilots get the ability to have an elite pilot upgrade.

All named pilots should have access to the Elite Pilot abilities.

BigDogg said:

While it is weird to me that a pilot like Horton with 8 Pilot Skill can't take an Elite card, I think he's plenty ridiculous as it is, re-rolling blanks at 2-3 Range.  I'm not sure what I'd honestly add to him if I could.  Maybe Deadeye, in case a Pilot Skill 9 ship moves after him, and my goal is to hit it with Proton Torpedos on the first pass.

Normally you couldn't pull it off because the target wouldn't be in range for you to aquire a Target Lock until they moved in, so situationaly, it could be good versus Vader, Fel, Wedge, and Han.

Ultimately, even having the option to take a card would drive the points up, and they're fine the way they are.  I've not really felt too lacking in that particular department with the Y-Wings.

The only one that I thought was particularly weird would be Dutch/Garven, strictly from a thematic point of view, because they are the squadron leaders of Gold and Red groups at the Battle of Yavin.  Gameplay-wise, I've not really felt the need to pump them up with any talent cards.  Similar feelings about Arvel in Wave 2.

You bring up something interesting.

Garven - Red Leader

Dutch - Gold Leader

Arvel - Green Leader

All are pilot skill 6, and none have Elite slots.

Honestly I don't think they should have them, because where do you stop? There are a lot of named imperials who don't have them(and certiainly shouldn't given some of their abilities) But I must say there are times when I wish I could take one, if nothing else because I have points left over and it would be better spent on an Elite than say torps.

This is from a few posts back.

cleardave said:

Many of your points are valid, and I agree that the Y-wing may be underutilized (or utilized incorrectly) in many wave 1 builds. But I feel I must address this statement that you made. Backstabber's ability triggers if he is "outside the defender's firing arc". The Y-wing has a standard firing arc for its primary weapon. The Ion Cannon does NOT alter that firing arc - it merely ignores it: "Attack 1 ship (even a ship outside your firing arc)." Therefore, if Backstabber is attacking a Y-wing equipped with an Ion Cannon Turret from outside the primary weapon firing arc, his ability WILL trigger for an extra attack die. The Ion Cannon Turret in no way neutralizes his extra die.

BigDogg said:

I think Elite Pilot abilities would open a whole can of crazy with Y-Wings, although Determination would help with survivability in regards to critical hits.

So Arbel is Green leader and does not get elite skill. But the whole rest of his squadron does… That's kinda weird.

Also A-Wings, Tie Fighters, Interceptors get an elite squadron. But X-Wings and Y-Wings don't. Still the point difference between the low-skill and medium skill squaDdrons (Gold-Grey for example or prototype-Green squadron) stays 2 points. Well how is that explained since some medium skill squadrons are elite others are not…