I think the heavy assult launchers have a lower cap/cpu req than the heavies - so when you have those you could always bring back the drone module.
HAM launchers take use more of the power-grid than normal heavy launchers (120 vs 100). They have same CPU need.
I am not entirely positive about HAM's being totally phukked. From what I understand they have been retardedly good in the past, and now they are just good
Sure, if you don't have proper Missile Bombardment skill level, then they are no use, but if your ship improves missile flight time and you have a decent Missile Bombardment skill, then they do provide quite a punch
They are not a snipers weapon, true, but I do think they are quite a bit better than Beo thinks they to be