Ooops
The problem with human AX weapons is their very low Armor Piercing, which for Large AX Multicannons (AP value of 33) results in a ~66% DPS reduction against a Cyclops (Hull Hardness tested by Cannon to be ~100), including its hearts (Hull Hardness extends to module damage IIRC).
This is unlikely to change on the fixed version as both standard Fixed and Turreted AX Multicannons share the same AP value for a given size.
AX Multicannons were designed
specifically against hearts, not against hull. Which is why AX Missile rack were designed
specifically against hull. And that's exactly why AX Missile rack have - suitable AP of 60 which is good enough against cyclops and basi. The DPS of AXMR from broker is IMMENSELY much higher than that of normal one - thanks to rapid fire and number of missiles in magazine and reload speed. Combining 2/3 AXMR from brokers, and 1/2 EAXMC (fixed) we are effectively leveling field with basi - missiles for hull, mc for heart (now, with 4km shot speed it will be so much easier with trailing mode)
It's still not enough against medusa granted, but basi is within our reach now. We have ability to kill at least 2 specific interceptors in the Maelstrom zone, that's a start. And we don't know yet what new Enhanced missiles might be.. what if those are seekers like it was in trailers so often? Could be anything. I for one, certainly did not expected a shot speed buff for Enhanced multi.
Given the damage increase on the new AX Multicannons is negligible and that NPCs don't subtarget, they'll remain as effective against Interceptors as they are now - useless or outright detrimental as they agitate swarms (Thargon Missiles for EVERYONE!) and pull the Interceptor's focus, making heart sniping more difficult than it should be.
That's not entirely true. NPC are never useless in AXCZs. They draw fire from you, they give you ability to use up to 2 additional weapon hardpoints on something better than flaks, unless you specifically want to have them available just in case. They can send some drones to you, they ease your pain with scouts. When they will get those weapons, scouts will start screaming. As for Interceptors, NPCs deal a LOT of damage on hull, saving for you even more ammo as result. Say whatever you want, missiles are no joke. Even medusa and hydra does feel them especially when facing up to 8 salvo from all ships around it and your guardian tech heavy artillery. And think about it, they will get enhanced missiles as well. Hell, they are using field neutralizers now, if you didn't noticed yet. The blue pinging NPC on radar.
Eventually they will get AX PD to help with thargons and their missiles. FD will use NPC as an additional back up so new players won't be overwhelmed by thargoids in solo and groups. But that will come later in the narrative progression. We are months away from it. Right now bubble by design supposed to be slowly burned to a crisp. For drama sake. So retaliation would be more meaningful.
