Your links to MoM's posts are compelling, though some of them are very old. There have been definite changes to AI and NPC builds in 3.3, not just from my observations but also based on some pretty big threads with lots of concurring observations. Some of these are improvements, some are acknowledged bugs that have yet to be fixed.I hope I've helped you come around more to the idea that they aren't cheating half as much as you suggest.
Your other compelling argument is PC vs console. Whether it be HOTAS or K&M, you'll likely have an advantage over those of us limited to DS4. Even if I were to get a PS4 HOTAS, our one supported HOTAS is pretty rubbish compared to some of the amazing flight sticks for PC. It would be nice if the game could detect what controller we are using and make NPCs use a "virtual" match for that controller (the programmed delays). That's just me dreaming, not necessarily a complaint.
Anyway, my biggest beef with NPCs is not whether they are easy or hard, but rather if they are "realistic" for their rank, and now with some thought, their platform (console vs PC). I expect an Elite NPC flying an FDL to flip on a dime and stick to me like glue. I do not expect a competent Beluga pilot charged with protecting his passengers to be able to do this, nor should he even be trying to do this. He should be launching his SLF while he himself makes his escape, perhaps dropping mines or firing off torpedoes or some other "defensive" maneuver. Again, just my opinion.
I still think NPCs cheat, but only half as much as I originally thought