For fun late night, I tried classic kite-and-snipe with destroyers (Enforcer, Hammerhead, Medusa, and Drover) against the SIM Aurora; my skill help from max Gunnery Implants (but no ITU because I do not have it), max OP, and Helmsmanship 2. The only two that won were Hammerhead and Drover. Enforcer was too slow (could not keep its distance), and Medusa lacked shot range. Hammerhead could kite-and-snipe with Mauler, HVD, and Tac Lasers. Drover could do the same with light needlers and talon spam. Use needlers for anti-shield, and Talons for other damage. The Talons were on Regroup because the Aurora kept staying close enough that Talons attacked despite hovering around my Drover. Talons just kept streaming out at 90+% at all times. No carrier skills. Not very practical if I lose all of my crew, but that was not the point of this test.
Drover with two Talons is a top-tier destroyer.
Fighting enemy Eagle with graviton beams was nastier than Aurora. Without ITU, I do not know if any destroyer can outfight it.
Hammerhead has definitely improved, and is competitive with Enforcer and Medusa.
EDIT: Hammerhead had the easiest time with SIM Aurora. For Drover and Talons, it was a tough and close fight.