I found they really came into their own once a solid anvil could be built- I cheated and used out-of-faction Eagle and Vulture-style cruisers with Arbitrator cheap armour support, supported by Storms and using Vapors, Hayles and a Haze for the flank and enclosure.
Eventually I added a Maelstrom with HVDs, IBIS, Micromissiles, Tachlance, and bow Arbitrator rockets for making hostile capitals sad, and found it to be a a marvelously flexible platform.
A pair of Maelstroms each escorted by a pair of Storms gives some tanky defenses.
For Wanzers, I went for the tougher, more survivable sort and I keep them in supporting range to strengthen the firebubble- they are not a strike package.
Edit: Early, a Hayle with Recson V for kinetic poke and six MRM racks can punch well above its weight (but I probably over PD'd with two Raptor mounts). Just remember that flicker costs flux and don't overexpose. I think the DA fleet doctrine likes long-ranged, pokey weapons if you shop out-of-faction, but ymmv.