They're asking you to relic 5 toons to get a particular score. Yes, with r9 faction bonuses it's possible to underman and still win easily (with Tarkin/Scorch or PKH+2 Pirates) or after relatively few and brief failed attempts (Appo, CX, DCT), but they're telling you to get 5 toons to the same relic and THEN you should be able to max it out. The fact that you might be able to do so while undermanned is not the same as saying this is recommended (or fun).
I agree it's not fun to try repeatedly, but I'm with those who are telling you that the answer isn't a change from CG: it's boosting other toons relic tiers until you have 5 reliable squads.