tl;dr: raw DPS value is first of all a theoretical figure and gets influenced by so many factors that the number alone is often misleading.
Indeed, that is very well put.
Especially since not even the best pvp-er reach a 100% hit ratio with their plasma volleys
So, this argument is working in the favor of the MC and not so much in the favor or PA since well... there is no secret that pve-ers are not the sharpest shooters around this corner of the galaxy. And if you miss half of your plasma volleys - especially against the small and agile targets, the pve exercise turns into frustration rather fast.
And this aspect was mentioned by @Homerzilla
On the other side of the fence, it's so rewarding when you explode an Eagle with a single PA volley from 3 large PA
Well good for you,I keep my Plasma oh by the way a Focused Plasma projectile has a speed of 1750 m/s,just to keep you updated.
It sure has, but then its heat skyrockets, its dpe plummets and the mc wins again. And it's better to stop the PA at G4 focused - it makes a nice match for MC projectile speed
So much easier to aim using matched leading reticles and the PA/MC combo is pretty nice.
Think i still have a Chally with 4 PA and 3 Rails... And i still think it's a pain to PVE with it especially vs eagles and diamond backs.
My favorite setup for pve is lasers with a single mc with corrosive (my vette runs this setup) - or if using a krait mk2, 3 large efficient beams and 2 medium long range rails with plasma slug - or my Colonia Vulture using only a pair of large efficient beams.
Not having to worry about ammo means that i can chain CZ all day long.
And Res are even easier.