In 4.86 the only real role of lawful gunboat was area-denial. Snubs can try to zerg the target, and then leave the area if they cant, but gunboat doesnt have the speed or tools to chase down fighters or bombers. All it can do is sit in one spot and defend that spot from snubs that want to come into the area. Dont know if that has changed any in 4.87. Solaris turrets make this a bit worse since they have less range,so its even easier for snubs to up and leave the area. Missiles may improve it, if you can kill the runners, dunno yet.
They are also pretty good 2-v-1 cruiser killers, but for that you want cerbs and emp weapons.
Unlawful gunboats have other options, especially piracy.
![[Image: smuggler-threat-0-1.jpg]](http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x57/UrsusMorologus/Freelancer%20Discovery/smuggler-threat-0-1.jpg)