Email: Looking for some timely feedback from a vet BT player

Email:  Marshal Laeroth,

Simply because I have no idea how else I would introduce myself, my name is David.  I’ve been collecting BT (and Thousand Sons as well, simply because they look amazing) for a while now, and I’m about to play my first tournament this coming Saturday.  I think I’ve put together a pretty good list based on much of what I have read on your website, but I was looking for some feedback before I go get my proverbial ass kicked this weekend.  I have no experience fighting competitive lists from any army at all, and my casual games consist of CSM, Nids, and IG.  Anyway, here’s the list.  

HQ:
Emperor’s Champion w/ AAC (140)  

Elite:
Venerable Dreadnought (Tank Hunter, TL LC, Missile Launcher, Smoke Launchers) (168)  

Troops:
Crusader Squad (7 BP& CCW, 1 MG, 1 PF), in Rhino w/ Smoke Launchers (222)  
Crusader Squad (7 BP&CCW, 1 Flamer, 1 PF) in Rhino w/ Smoke Launchers (218)  
Crusader Squad (3 Bolters, 1 Plasma, 1 Missile Launcher) (96)  

Fast Attack:
Land Speeder w/ MM and HF (75)
Land Speeder w/ MM and HF (75)  

Heavy Support:
Predator Destructor w/ Lascannon Sponsons and Smoke Launchers (128)
Predator Destructor w/ Lascannon Sponsons and Smoke Launchers (128)  
Total:  1250  

This tournament is known as the Contest of Champions at the local game store, and is an escalation tourney that runs every other month, increasing the army list 250 pts at a time (the next is in March at 1500 pts, May at 1750, etc).  I would love some help with the list if you have the time.   Thanks a ton, the website is awesome.  

Sincerely,  
David

Reply:  Hello David!

Looking it over, there isn't a whole lot of work needed here.  Some minor optimization stuff.  So great job there!  Let's take a look.  :D 

HQ:
Emperor’s Champion w/ AAC (140)
This is fine as he is.

Elite:
Venerable Dreadnought (Tank Hunter, TL LC, Missile Launcher, Smoke Launchers) (168)
I'd take off the Missile Launcher and give him back his Dreadnought Close Combat weapon.  This will allow him to be a threat in close combat, which lets you use him as a defender for you shooty squad.  I'd also throw on extra armor and a heavy flamer.  In this configuration, he won't lose too much in the way of anti-tank either.
 
Troops:
Crusader Squad (7 BP& CCW, 1 MG, 1 PF), in Rhino w/ Smoke Launchers (222)
To increase optimization and allow you to squeeze some wound allocation funsies out of the squad, drop two initiates and add in two neophytes in their place.  This will be the EC squad.

Crusader Squad (7 BP&CCW, 1 Flamer, 1 PF) in Rhino w/ Smoke Launchers (218)
Like the previous squad, we're dropping initiates.  This time though, only drop one and put in two neophytes to replace the initiate.  Also change the flamer to a meltagun.  Its much more useful all around for the possible opponents out there.  The added anti-tank is never a bad thing.  Besides, you get quite a bit of anti-infantry from the bolt pistols and close combat here.

Crusader Squad (3 Bolters, 1 Plasma, 1 Missile Launcher) (96)
For this squad, drop the Missile Launcher and add in a Lascannon if possible.  If you're going to have a minimum sized squad like this, its better to just cough up the 5 points for the superior weapon.  Though, I have a feeling that mob armies are a concern for you considering the flamer and missile launcher.  The Dreadnought Heavy Flamer should help that, plus if you get him in combat with a mob of infantry, they'll be sorely pressed to actually kill the Dreadnought.  You also have the Land Speeders.
 
Fast Attack:
Land Speeder w/ MM and HF (75)
Land Speeder w/ MM and HF (75)
These are perfectly fine as is.
 
Heavy Support:
Predator Destructor w/ Lascannon Sponsons and Smoke Launchers (128)
Predator Destructor w/ Lascannon Sponsons and Smoke Launchers (128)
Drop the smoke launchers.  While they are nice to have if you have extra points, we can use those points elsewhere.  Otherwise these are also good to go.
 
Total:  1250

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Ok.  Here is how I would run your list:

HQ:
Emperor’s Champion w/ AAC (140)
 
Elite:
Venerable Dreadnought (Tank Hunter, TL LC, Heavy Flamer, Extra Armor, Smoke Launchers) (173)
 
Troops:
Crusader Squad #1 (5 BP& CCW, 1 MG, 1 PF; 2 Neophytes w/ BP&CCW), in Rhino w/ Smoke Launchers (210)
Crusader Squad #2 (6 BP& CCW, 1 MG, 1 PF; 2 Neophytes w/ BP&CCW) in Rhino w/ Smoke Launchers (226)
Crusader Squad #3 (3 Bolters, 1 Plasma, 1 Lascannon) (101)
 
Fast Attack:
Land Speeder w/ MM and HF (75)
Land Speeder w/ MM and HF (75)
 
Heavy Support:
Predator Destructor w/ Lascannon Sponsons and Smoke Launchers (125)
Predator Destructor w/ Lascannon Sponsons and Smoke Launchers (125)

Total:  1250

Doing it like this, you gain back the CC ability of the Dreadnought and another method to deal with mob infantry.  The first crusader squad gets SLIGHTLY less effective in close combat, but you really do need the neophytes in there for wound allocation.  The second squad actually gains effectiveness, as you've added another body.  The last crusader squad just switches out the missile launcher for the lascannon for a slight upgrade in AT firepower.  Other than that, you pretty much had the core of the army spot on.  Be sure to stick that shooty squad in cover, as it'll get targeted early for elimination.  Go to ground if you have to (with the new FAQ, Righteous Zeal cancels it).  Focus your strength/firepower with proper target priority and you should do just fine.

Hope that helps!  Good luck in your tournament and be sure to let me know how it goes!  :D