Ships & Modules

Hi all, so im starting training on a new account (this account, my main, is Minmatar, so don't bother suggesting it) and i've decided that my on my new account ill train heavy assualt cruisers and then work towards a strategic cruiser.
I like the look of lasers (and Amarr in general) and having a good optimal range appeals to me, but i've read on the internet that the Legion is the worst strategic cruiser for PvP.
(I should probobly specify that im mostly interested in small/medium sized group pvp, not massive blobs, not PvE)

Is this true? I hear the Zealot is good and it sounds awesome, but if the Legion sucks I might have to work towards a Proteus (unless it also sucks?)

Please don't suggest a Loki or Tengu. I don't like missiles and this character (my main) is Minmatar so I want a different race of ships (Armor tank this time, im shield tank atm).

Thank you very much for your responses. Also, is the Proteus primarily a close range blaster boat? Or do drones (in some fittings) make up a good portion of its dps (And is it fitted as a sniper? I like snipers :D)

For small/medium gangs, I'd suggest going for a proteus due to the friction extension processor. May do fine in combination with rails, but I admittedly haven't tinkered around with rails a lot thus far.

The Legion is underwhelming except for the 100 mn AB HAM fit or being pimp-Zealots (mostly used in incursion gangs). Zealots do fine in blobs, but as that isn't what you're planning to do, I'd suggest going Gallente.