I have both. I use the SH for dog fighting as that is it's primary role. The Varden, Vanguard Warden, right now is afu. However it'll get it's tune up later and it will (should) fulfill it's role as a long range fighter and escort ship. If they allow changes to the multiple S2 guns on the snout, say two S4's or S3's and allow pilot control of the turret if you are flying solo, then we have some thing closer to the original concept. And I love that S4 gatling gun.
Just my $.02 .
I also think that a comparison of the Varden to the SH is stretching a little as the Varden is suppose to be a long range ship and the SH is a suppose to be a Carrier based short range ship. They both can dog fight, of course. But the Varden is really the better escort ship and the SH will take up less room on a Carrier and there fore will allow more to be brought to a battle.
Again just mho.