Thanks for the advice. Quick update. I'm now level 65 and have
5* AA, gear 7 (9 shards away from 6*)
6* Lando, gear 7
7* Biggs, gear 7
5* STH , gear 8 (54 shards away from 6*)
5* Luke, gear 6 (can upgrade right away to gear 7 if needed to. Only considering mk 8 blastech weapon mod for Biggs)
Based on what I read before, I should be able to obtain a tier 5 Emp. Palp. now more comfortably.
What about a tier 6? What do I need to win tier 6?
I also am working on Chirrut. I have him currently 4*, gear 7. Noticed it's quite a slower and more expensive farm (using crystals primarily) and also needs lots of ability mats.
Other chars that I currently have worked on.
Boba Fett, 7*, gear 8
Rex, 5*, gear 7
Darth Nihilus, 4*, gear 6. Not as great yet as I had hoped.