There may be no clear cut right answer for this one, but I'll throw it out there, just to hear what you folks have to say. I've got the choice between using E or V Firestorm in an upcoming tournament. I usually go with the Vet, but there's enough considerations this time for the cheaper model.

The Team:

• 700 points JLA (not limited to the TA, though)
• V Hypertime Batman is in the mix with Inspiring Command
• Assembled will be one of my BFCs
• I've got TK (Tornado Tyrant), but no modifiers on the team other than the potential +1 from Assembled
• There's a few other long range attackers (V Fire, TT, Batman)

E Firestorm

• 75 points
• JLA TA
• 9 AV, 8 range, 2 damage w/ RCE

V Firestorm

• 86 points
• No TA
• 10 AV, 10 range, 3 damage w/ RCE

In either case, I'll have Trick Shot on 'ol Flamehead. Stunning Blow is in the mix, too, but I need to decide whether Bats or Firestorm gets it. So it's a debate of whether I take the Vet for the built-in stats or the Exp for a potentially willpowered but weaker cannon.

I think part of your answer has to deal with what your support is like. If Firestorm has a bunch of other backup, the E is probably better. Yes, he misses out on one attack, one damage, and 2 range, but if he's cleanup, he'll still be okay, especially with the psuedo-Willpower. If you plan on making him a main attacker, though, then the Vet looks better, since you want all the firepower you can get.

If your going to put 30 points of feats on him, then go for the Vet. Get the most bag for your buck.

Personally, I like the Rookie. The E isn't that much better, but can at least take advantage of IC off Bats. The Vet isn't worth the extra 11 points for one click of 3 [starting] damage, imho. Stick with the Exp.

Firestorm's got a pretty big glass jaw. The question is, do you figure he's going to get hit and cut your losses, thus going with the Exp, or try to keep him alive and far away from the enemy, which the Vet would be better at. I personally would go with the Veteran, his 10 range (plus Trick Shot) will go away towards keeping an overpriced guy alive and fighting. Vet plus TS and Nanobots will make Firestorm worth about 100 points.

E Firestorm.

With Trickshot, the range bonus doesn't reall matter. Assembled gets you the same attack value. So all you are talking about is:

+1 to damage vs Willpower

I'd rather do 4 damage back to back then 5 damage once.

Plus in the age of Feats, those 11 points you save can go real far making someone better. Heck, think of those 11 points as Protected or Nanobots.

So now its:

10 attack
8 range
4 damage
Willpower
Protected OR Nanobots
83 to 85 points

versus

10 attack
10 range
5 damage
86 points

I say go with the E.

You didn't spell it out, but doesn't Firestorm also have a high MV with Phasing?

I mention this because one of the absolute keys to successful Inspired teams is taxi/mobility. As long as (Trick Shot) Firestorm is taxiing/adjacent to Batman, he is going to have an extra shot against most opponents...and depending on the rest of your team, you may end up wanting him to serve as both Taxi and Offense...which is best served by using the JLA model.

Thanks to every one for very constructive points.

FYI, I chose the Vet (probably out of habit, mostly, and the lure of the 10 range). As it turns out, there was no discernable advantage in having the Vet out there. The extra range didn't come into play, and I wasn't rolling high enough to hit even 50 percent of the time with either of 'em. And of course, Flamehead was missing out on the willpower bonanza that V Batman was providing all the other leaguers.

So between that and the suggestions here, I'll no longer overlook the Exp. for this type of team. Which I plan to play again at some point soon. That Batman is awesome now.