Light-Hawk
Because the Clipper being classified as a "large" ship makes zero sense. Also the Empire just goes from small to large with no medium. It's why I skipped the Clipper. Why get it when it has to use the same landing sites as a Cutter? Just get the Cutter instead. The clipper would be perfect for the medium roll.
Ships in this game are classified based on their dimensions and and the size of landing pads and the hanger attached to them.
Clipper:
Dimensions, m: L 106.7 × W 103.7 × H 24.8;
Cutter:
Dimensions, m: L 192.6 × W 111.1 × H 33.4;
It is the width that makes in large but for that it comes with the perks of being cheaper , faster and more nimble than most of the medium ships.
Else I agree. Imps have no medium ship but if you had to downsize the clipper it should pay with some perks removed. I prefer Frontier actually start adding new ships.
I am sorry that this do not make sense for you but it is some balance between pros and cons.
As of why to get a clipper?
Although they use same size of pads they are far different ships and have different purpose. I guess the best way is to buy one, engineer it and experience it yourself. If you purely make decisions on cargo capacity and landing pad it do not make sense, but if you fly clipper after flying a cutter I am sure you will get the note.