While I am only flying a Vulture, as for PAs I must say I love them. Of course you will face a real challenge with getting the power flow right, especially if you are really bold and try to outfit anything more energy-consuming than a Pulse on the second hardpoint.
But it just rocks. The big difference to a Python may be, though, that a Vulture can really claw into the neck of its target and pound it at point blank range -- but I even managed to blow up Cobras or (NPC) Eagles by aiming carefully.
You will spend quite some credits on ammo (which is nothing compared to the "new" bounties, so not an issue). You will waste a LOT of ammo at the beginning and, if you continue training your aim, also later. But I found out than if I have a firm grip on aiming and save the ammo for big boys and times of need (like when I had a blown canopy and the Clipper in front of me still refused to explode), than I can stay in a RES for quite some time and get through a run with 1-2 mil before the PA is running dry.
Ah yes, and your patience is really tested for thermal overload occurs even BEFORE pulling the trigger the first time, if you are already firing your laser. So you have to stay in the target circle for quite a time before a shot is finally fired. Or you have to stop firing your laser for a while. And yes, use four pips in Weps.
And while it feels strange to continue with just one laser, even that is no problem in a normal RES.
In contrast, Cannons, while great fun as well, just run out of ammo much too quickly so I discarded them.
Bottom line:
- The damage of the PA is outstanding, though it even could be a bit higher (Class 3).
- Ammo costs are high, but that is no issue compared to bounties.
- PAs are FUN. Aiming is really interesting, especially when shooting at nimble targets or from a distance. Someone compared it with playing golf. I would say it reminds of the old straight-line-torpedo launching by submarines.
- In smaller craft like Vultures, you learn patience and holding a steady trigger finger due to cooldown times.
=> You learn to aim properly, develop a feel for the moves of different ship types, and save the shots instead of just spraying all over the universe with bullets or laser beams.
- Anyone tried two PAs on a Vulture? That might be REAL fun (or instant self-destruction)