Fixed these. I think the basic 6 ton fighter (per the Sprite, above) for some sort of CAP for a Mercenary Cruiser is key.
The real dynamic, though, is that energy weapons are cheap fire support, but come from a pricier platforms. To get FIRE SUPPORT (hours of it, pennies per round) you need plasma or fusion, for burst size, fragmentation, etc. Really, you are thinking armor, also, but that comes at a space price.
The basic "CT" style fighter. Note that the weapons are, as HG allows, in a mixed mount, and armor is added. In all, a competent little fighter. For less than the 36 MCr, though, and less than the 10 tons, 3 sprites gets you about the same ground support.
Awl
FL-01061610-600000-20001-0 MCr17.86 10 tons
Crew of 1, Model/1, 6G, Agility 6. Armor 6.
Storage for up to 56 missiles. 10 Months' fuel.
Lite Fuse
FL-01063810-200000-05000-0 MCr22.9 12 tons TL15
Crew of 2, pair of fusion guns, 6G, Agility 4, Armor 2, 8 1/2 months endurance.
Model/1.
Two of these in a cutter module (dispersed structure). I have the cutter tubes strait through: 1 cutter launches, and launches its 2 Lite Fuses; it is then, in essence, a 36 ton medium fighter with 6G accelereation and can assist in ground support, or go back for another load.
The moral:
"Less than 10 tons" is certainly possible, under HG2, but the point of dimishing returns is already passed.