When I was a new player looking for highsec escalations somoene in a Gila would show up after I'd half-finished the site and take the escalation. It happened over and over.
Dragoon destroyer in Sansha space is fantastic with a probe scanner. DED all the way. 3/10s are easy and you can get some great drops for frigates and destroyers. Of course still drops phat multispectrum equipment. Can do Sansha Hideout/Lookouts too. The drone Cluster/Collection/Assembly can escate to an Expedition. 1-4 guaranteed sentient spawns in the sequence of sites the expedition takes you on. Not uncommon the last one is in low sec and can drop chips for Astero, Stratios blueprints.
You pair Imperial Acolytes with Caldari Navy Hornets or you go Fed Hobgobs with Republic fleet Warriors. This will cover full spectrum of damage type you would need vs NPC pirates. First pair (Amarr+Caldari drones) is preferred because of Best DPS spread, Tanking and Tracking. But I do get the sentiment, despite their restriction to only EM damage, Amarr drones are usually a good pick. Imperial Navy Infiltrator are my favorites and they can tank like a frigate/destroyer.
You can always make use of Hydras if you are in highsec…those things were made for the Gila imo. Also dont knock Mini ships. Projectile turrets have amazing tracking. Only real problem with them is how bloody expensive the ammo is and how much they use 🤣.
Yes you can use a Gnosis up to T2 battle cruisers. I used to use one shield tanked with a faction kinetic hardener. Easy... 3 down and made enough to buy a Gila for the high sec ones. For the Low Sec ones I now use an Ishkur for them...slower to clear but quick to move around inside.
