I still think a quick-n-dirty fix to HFs could be to give all of them across the board access to 2xClass 6 weapon slots.
Alternatively, they could instead have a 400m/s cruise speed to allow them to pursue most ship types.
(Or maybe give one or two the 400m/s cruise speed in exchange for not getting Class 6 slots. Edit: I'm thinking the Kingfisher, Switchblade, and Moonbeam. Civ/Bw/GaCiv, to allow all factions access to such an option.)