The question is it worth packing? If the only question is effectiveness, is it worth packing? It is a lot of firepower in a small concealable package.

If you are going to a black tie party where everyone and his grandma are wearing suits and gowns, is it worth packing? If you are going to a high society gathering, are you going to pack that Pred?

Only pros use AVSes precisely because of their cost, only pros can afford them. Sometimes packing a Pred or a Manhunter to one of their high rolling gigs is a definite no-no.

Again we're getting into specialised situations. Sure, if I'm going to a black tie party I ain't packing a Predator, I'll be packing an Elan and my spells and hope I don't need the slug thrower. But by the same token, one of my packmates will be carrying a Predator since he's the size of an ork and can hide the thing easier than I can.