Preparing Phoenix for Thrawn. Any abilities to not take to 7?

You're gonna have a tough time if you don't level up your abilities, but if you really want to save a few hundred GP some less-critical ones for the event are: Cantankerous Clunker, Metal Menace, Intervene, Backup Plan and Honor Guard. I would definitely make sure all their uniques and basics have Omegas (hough you can skip the Omega on Kanaan's basic since it doesn't add damage).