"It's also more agile than the Fighter, and has four cannons instead of just two."
Maybe it's just me but I don't think it's more agile than the fighter version. Correct me if I've just been playing against inexperienced pilots but it seems I have been up against pretty good ones. I love the space battles and have been 90% space since FS was released.
From my in game experience and considering two pilots of the same skill level going one on one;
The TIE Interceptor and X-Wing are nearly identical in manuverability and fire power. X-Wing advantage is speed boost. Battle can go either way.
The TIE Interceptor cannot shake an A-wing once they are on his tail. Game over Interceptor.
The TIE Interceptor versus Y-Wing/B-Wing, can go either way, but you must be smart in how you approach the target. The stronger firepower can take them out quickly.
The TIE Fighter and A-Wing are nearly identical in manuverability. Advantage A-wing due to speed boost but battle can go either way. Doing circles can last an eternity trying to line up for a shot by either pilot.
The TIE Fighter against Y-wing with a 2 man crew can be nothing short of pure suicide! But, no gunner = dead Y-wing pilot in very short order. Y-wing can't lose a snail going up hill.
The TIE Fighter against X-Wing can be another easy kill. Survive a head on pass and the TIE can easily get behind and finish the job. (It looks exactly like the movies when I get in behind an X-wing and he try's to bounce and weave! Would love to see someone make a vid of this type of dogfight.)
The TIE Bomber is a sitting duck and can be easily destroyed by any Rebel craft. Interceptor/Fighters must always escort the bombers!
The Interceptor is ok, but when I have a choice I'll hope in the TIE Fighter every time.
While it's always imperative to have a wingman the Rebels need is even greater. But the one thing I avoid like the plauge when in any TIE is a squadron of Y-Wings!