The Brigand HF IS powerful. I used to fly one quite some time ago and I did pretty damn good with it without even firing once.
As for Brigands guns - yes, they are pretty much lame. BUT, you can use Council guns without any nerf, and Council guns are one of the best guns in discovery.
As for the Gunboat - If you don't like it I would gladly switch Council Prelious with it. Brigand GB -is- powerful. Very powerful. Just turret steer
L'ane - L'ane did lose it's ability of being a pirate transport Gallic-made, though now you have the Gallic Battletransport that can be used for that goal quite easily in my opinion.
As for the activity-thing with being AFK in space - That one was quite low, that all I have to say on the matter.