I have a feeling with 3.0 coming out that funding and active citizens could double. I could see funding hitting the 200 million mark for 2017 if they get patches released on a timely manner this year.
Ive had the same problem, only way i got them down was with missiles and unloading direct hits on them after they got hit. I've seen threads about this on the forums so its a known issue.
I've been destroying Hornets and Sabres with ease, i do use the keyboard and mouse setup for now. Vanguards are solid as they should be being a larger fighter ship.