Big ol' Barge

[LaWey]

Well while Motoko's arguments is valid from inRP perspective, gameplay point why big haulers defenceless - is encouraging convoys. What we need - make them armored enough, and maybe protected from torpedoes. But not powerful enough to deal with bombers in solo.

Haulers which can win, already exists and they called Battletransports, Armored Transports/trains. Some of them have problems, like OC BT turns tooo slow, which make hard convoy coordination, and some BT very long to use turrets aim properly. But generally they able give some fire back and succesfully reach destination point. With proper setups they able troll snubs and eat newbiecruisers.
Also there is whale, which can try utilise his CM module.

Big transports should be just balanced in way, where they after setting of CAU could be able take enough shoots, and not die to give escort time for dealing with attackers.

And, tbh, there absolutely no points to fight with pirates on haulers, if your target just earn cash. Really combat vessel needed mostly for unlawful logistic and smuggling, or flying in warzones.