Yes, it is. They didn't used to pass through shields, which made them completely worthless.
I wouldn't say completely worthless just took more "skill" or time to use them. Honestly that change hadn't effected my pirate routine except for shield tanking the smaller ships which I dare say is a little exploitive. But seeing as piracy is still one of the lower paid professions it should stay how it is. The money is still in the big traders and that pretty much requires a shield strip and knocking out power plant to be efficient.