Someone made a simple simulator a long time ago based on the laptop displays for varying the rate of fire based on number of xenomorphs attacking at once, remaining ammo, and barrel heat. A video of that might be still floating around. It was quite interesting. As you noted, the most efficient killing modes were slower, and in real life would be more likely. Years ago I saw a couple YT vids of people making auto-targeting paintball guns based on the "Aliens" design. Simple modes aren't as hard to create as one might thing. I've been wanting to play with computer vision, but I think I'll try the lawn mower bot first.
I've had a fascination with metal storm for a long time. The firing mechanism is brilliantly simple. I wouldn't mind having one, but I can't afford 1 million rounds per minute. :-/
