Not always possible to find a hard counter while continuing the same business - but I did adapt.
I was ganked Ice Mining in a Retriever - everyone else was in Procurers. I moved to using Procurers and Skiffs for mining after that - so, yes I did change to something that resisted gankers, but not really a counter.
So saying, I don’t ice mine anymore - it’s riskier for me, it’s time consuming, so I’d rather pay others for the ice. I found a better use of my time.
The important thing is to learn and adapt - as you (and I) did. Don’t let them stop you, don’t rage and give them satisfaction - just don’t give them the second chance.
Oh, and if as a side effect you can give them a bloody nose in response all the better.
I fly with a group that does that to hi-sec wardeccing camping groups. Rather satisfying when they realise they tried eating a wasp.
I commend you for your approach.