I completely agree with you, ED needs the revenue new modules come, the Viper was officially announced at the start of the year, with it coming to early access ten months later. I understand the frustration with the lack of Hornet development, but now we have TWO amazing modules, that will progress together onto bigger and better things.
ED's API system for weapons and systems will only benefit future projects that we all want to see in the game. My hats off to ED for making the "tough" choice and pushing the Viper along to this stage.