Did you need the retribution button in the empire event?

I've got only one even slightly useable Rebal: Ackbar (at a paltry lvl 64). The other 4 are about level 30 and long abandoned. Without the ability I was murdered in 3 turns and didn't even dent one of them. With the ability, I won one round. It's useful but if you're already at the recommended level then it might as well be a watered down Galactic War. Ackbar's ability is crucial if you are struggling just to compete and I doubt there is any other toon in the game that can make as much use of it... Bring on the droid Assault Battle! ;-)