So yeah, Hayate is definitely gonna need an upgrade to stand a chance against X. I mean, her Final Step was overpowered by X's FIRST Step. That's a pretty big gap in power, one I don't think they could bridge even if they worked together. And I'd gush about X's design, but that'd take up way too much room. Basically, I really really really really really like it.
As for why Honey didn't say to go for X immediately, perhaps it's because the Antinoids require X to exist? So if X dies then the Antinoids die too? Or, given that final page, or they supposed to be married or something like that? Engaged? Cause I got a real walking down the aisle vibe from that