Keep in mnd that the formulas can't cover everything. I haven't seen one take the WMG's to-hit bonus into account, and only some acknolage the smashing ability of larger weapons. Damage over time is irrelevant if the enemy's first shot blows you up.
Otherwise Rocket Pods would be fairly crappy weapons, when they're actually decent ones.
Range: it varies on situation. Warp Point assults tend to have a different style than open-space battles. (this is why I love Ripper-Beam armed sats)
Phoenix-D