Anything that can match its speed, it can outgun or stay at long range, with the exception of the Phoenix Hawk. Of course, once you have Star League technology (level 2 tech), all this goes out the window.
Well, it outranges the PXH, and if it comes to a confrontation the heat burden means it has a good chance of getting away.
Only downside is the thin armor, which admittedly wasn't too bad for its role and speed during the Succession Wars. Would have helped if they'd transitioned to better armor protection at an earlier point though. I loved the IIC for that. IIC has almost no downsides, good armor, ballistic weapon with a really deep ammo reserve, same speed as before. Only part I don't like about it are those oversized ears.
