I'd disagree there. If I'm leading a pirate group, I'm going to value swiftness and maneuverability as the highest qualities, not firepower. My goal isn't to to lead a full-scale invasion or destroy anything (after all, the more I destroy is more stuff I can't steal), it's to get in, grab shit, and run like hell. If a corporation is trying to ward off pirates, they'll do so with speed, not with firepower. It doesn't matter how big your guns are - the bigger they are, the slower they'll turn. The slower they turn, the faster you die so I can get my booty.
Okay, that just sounded bad. s/booty/loot.
At any rate, that's why the secret service are in the highest shape and don't carry rocket launchers and high-caliber rifles - they have to respond *quickly* and *effectively* to threats. Same goes for fighters trying to ward off pirates.
You try to scare me off with that ship, I'll be tickled, and you'll be dead.