Well, as stated above, a possible solution would be for Zoners as a whole to come to an agreement with the Order factions, to allow sale of the Hathor to only those Zoners who have guard ID's and IFF's.
This way it should only be getting used for things like freeport & base defence and general patrolling in our more interesting systems. That combined with a cargo boost for the conference, would allow the conference to be used effectively in its intended role;
as a light trader and convoy escort.
Any argument that zoner ships should be poorly armed is plainly ridiculous anyway. Just look at the Juggernaught, it's a beast.
And the fearless, while certainly falling into the lighter end of the cruiser spectrum, is still a nippy, compact and challenging opponent in the right hands.
**Oh and is it just me or do the turret firing arcs on the conference seem a little restrictive? Mainly to the front? Allowing them more freedom of movement might make it appeal more.
