The Python has been bested by the new ships in almost every respect, I feel. The Krait is a much better fighter overall, jump range is not really good for an explorer, etc.
Still, it is a very, very nice ship and a joy to fly. So I dusted off my old Pythie, padded it on the head and gave it the legendary Gold Wireframe coat and reconfigured it with all spare parts I had lying around to make a Thargoid Scout killer.
I have to say that it works amazingly well. Since I have no intention to do the Grind again, I used what was at hand and readily available, and threw in
3x Class 3 AX Multis (Turreted)
1x Class 2 AX Missile (only to do some damage to Interdictors and for some target practice ... for pure Scouts I would recommend 4x AX Multis)
1x Class 2 Remote Release Flak
Guardian Shield Boosters, lots of HRPs and a MRP. Grade 5 Military Heavy Armour, Decon Limpets, Collector Limpets, Xeno Scanner, Heat Sinks.
This baby is sufficiently agile, can't outpace an Interceptor at ca 450 m/s (so be careful there) or it's Shutdown field at AX CZ's, but it can stand the pounding if attacked both by the swarm and Scouts while shut-downed, with it's sturdy hull and good shields. If in a Wing, you can do some damage to an Interceptor with the missiles and share the bounty when it gets taken down (but forget Soloing one).
So for a free-time-Lab 69 operative, it is quite a nice ship indeed! If you never have hunted Tharg Scouts, you have missed some nice joy there