Sam,
I agree with your statements, but we do need to remember these are 2 very different craft with 2 very different roles.
The Super Hornet is made for carrier/short ranged usage. It has 3 size 3 weapons and 2 size two. It's one of the best single player craft out there, PLUS you can have a buddy tag along. It's designed to get into the fight and survive.
The Warden is made for long range use (it's fuel tank is over twice the capacity of the Super Hornet), with 3 size 2, a size 5, plus another 2 size 2 in the turret. It's really made for 2-3 people, but it can be solo flown. It's NOT designed to close on the enemy, instead, blow them apart from afar with a S5 laser cannon. If the enemy gets close, you lose, but they have to GET close in the first place.
I would not equate the SH and the VW with each other. Instead, it's SH vs Sabre Vs Bucc. Likewise, it's Van W. vs Freelancer. In the latter comparison, both are larger vehicles. Both can be solo vehicles, but are better with 2-3. Both hit like a ton of bricks. The freelancer is slower, but is able to carry cargo as compensation vs the Warden.
If you want a ship that you will be able to take a mission, go fly to your destination close by, and return to base, the SH is your fighter of choice. If you want to take on a mission that crosses the star system, kill the ship and come back, as well as bringing along 2-3 friends in case of a ground assault, then the warden is for you. (between these two)
Question is...would you rather have a Sabre/Warden combo, or a Super Hornet/Warden combo in your hanger? (you could argue Bucc/Warden as well). One for solo play, one for bringing along some fellow Test members.