I'm on a young shard myself. Started playing Dec 10 16. I take top 20 with my droids most days. Some days it's top 10, Others it is top 50. Pretty sure I'll be top 10 regularly when I hit level 80 and max HK's leader ability.
Even with the sick turn meter gain, the meta directs droid composition. Speed. Stacking speed is key to this meta. Holding back speed to optimize first volley is more harmful than helpful imo. Droids don't need to wipe out 3 people first volley. 1 or 2 suffices... IF you have enough speed stacked on them.