Seeking advice for arena/gw lineups and farming priorities

k2solbri

I'm looking for some advice from the veteran players regarding ability upgrade priorities and squad setups for arena and GW. This is what I've been doing (I'm level 62):

GW (level 62 characters):
Barriss (leader) 4* gear level 7 (abilities: 5/4/6/3)
Luminara Unduli 6* gear level 7 (abilities: 3/6/6/4)
Old Daka 5* gear level 7 (abilities: 3/4/3/3)
Sidious 6* gear level 8 (abilities: 5/4/5/5)
Jedi Consular 6* gear level 8 (abilities: 5/6/5)

Arena:
*Mostly same team, sometimes I take out Barriss and use Phasma as leader, sometimes Sid as leader
Captain Phasma 4* gear level 7 (abilities: 3/3/3/4)

What I'm farming:
Cantina Battles: JC shards
Cantina Shipments: Old Daka
Arena Shipments: Sidious
GW Shipments: Luminara
LS/DS Battles: shards for JC, Old Daka, Barriss, Luminara

Other Characters:
4*: Chewbacca, Vader, Jawa, Nute Gunray, Talia
3*: Ahsoka Tano, Hoth Rebel Soldier, Stormtrooper
2*: Royal Guard, Resistance Pilot, Resistance Trooper, Snowtrooper, Ewok Scout, IG-86
1*: Nightsister Initiate, Geonosian Soldier, Clone Sergeant, First Order TIE Pilot

I've been focusing mostly on my GW setup (able to clear each day) but wanting to improve my arena squad too (finish around rank 10-15 but fall into rank 25-50 bracket when rewards go out). I heard there's a trick to strengthening your team's defense to make it harder for others to lower your rank but not sure how that works, anyone know?

Thanks for any advice you guys give, I really appreciate it.

k2solbri

Also which character should I use as leader? I really like phasma but she is only 4* as I'm maxing lumi first. Is she still worth running or should I wait until I can promote her more?

DoktorShin

I think you have too many healers. Work on GS, he is a beast.