Maybe this is a little off-topic, but I think we have enough Lightning votes to call it that (if you want me to vote, that's what I'd vote for).
I think that EVula's little speech about the function of the Rapier is absolutely right. It's meant to be used to take down larger ships. The Rapier isn't really meant to be compared to the Lightning, because the Rapier is a pure bomber, and the Lightning is a light fighter-bomber (although it's quite deadly). Which is why mercenaries (and pirates) like to use a combination of these two - the Lightnings take out the escorts, and the Rapiers hit the convoy or capital ship or whatever.
I actually wish that EV went further on this function thing - but I guess it was limited by AI. I mean, with a better AI, the Defender could enter this debate, with its even better agility and occasional ability to outrun missiles. We could even see cases where fighter groups can pound convoys and large capital ships more effectively (for instance, why the heck do Mantas go for the Confed Cruisers instead of the Patrol ships?).
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Mike Lee (Firebird)