Why not introduce a T2 black ops version of the Porpoise. Allow it to conduit up to 10 Prospects, give it the ability to fit a normal cloak without speed restrictions (like a blops or endurance), can only fit 1 command burst by default, and can fit a compression module and indy core with the same risks involved as a porp but at a much juicier price point for being hunted. Give it a reduced drone bay too, maybe 40m3 and 25bw. The prospects have no drones, and giving this ship the slight ability to fight back but not to a substantial degree would help reduce its ability to clear rats and fight back. Its a covert mining support ship, it should have very reduced combat capabilities and force the covert and mining aspect of what it does. Also, dont give it the jump fatigue reduction. Own it, commit to the jump.
This would allow smaller groups to make an impact for their small scale indy operations, getting the mats they need themselves, and would open up a whole interesting gameplay style. It wouldnt be about the efficiency of the mining op, but the opportunity of diverse gameplay. The prospect currently is really only used for gas huffing or lighting covert cynos, neither is really within the spirit of how it was intended to be primarily used, as a sneaky ninja ore miner.
Finding and hunting small, advanced mining groups could be fun, and use of the mobile obs units would likely increase as a way to find and hunt them. Theres no real level of disruption coming from this on the ‘defenders’ side, just more content and activity for them to be weary of.
Afterthought edit: maybe also add the ability to bring blockade runners on the conduit, and dont grant the ability to open a bridge. Conduit only.