CCP needs to go one way or the other with the Orca. Either turn it into the high-sec version of the Rorqual (note to CCP: this would prove that you’ve not learned from the mistakes with the Rorqual, and is an idea that belongs in the “bad ideas” thread), or it needs to have it’s ability to mine removed or changed such that mining in an Orca is a lot higher risk than it currently is.
Move it’s base hit points to be critically reliant upon bonuses from shield/armor/hull rigs (per level of skill for that type of rig), such that it’s got a painfully low amount of EHP potential if you cram it with drone rigs.
Flying through systems and seeing half a dozen or so Orcas on d-scan with no exhumers/procurers/etc. in sight clearly shows there is a problem. The yield from one may not be as much as a boosted exhumer, but it’s also not nearly as easy to kill with gank ships. 24m3/s and requiring a coordinated group to take down vs. having to Omega two accounts where one can be taken out by a small group at a loss of 250m+ isk? Yeah, people are going to kick the Exhumers to the curb and just solo in an Orca. Especially with the limitations on the mineral types in hi-sec.
I am one of the few who has found enjoyment in Eve via mining and industry, but this is a bit crazy at this point. They either need to retire exhumers and buff the Orca (see note above to CCP) so that is the premier means of mining in high sec, or they need to nerf it so the bulk of mining is pushed back to the barges/exhumers.