Why are Sweepers useless?

[Saladinbobbins]

The description says one can hold off a missile barrage singlehandedly, yet I'm at the point where the Cylons have Archanes that cut me to pieces every time I fight them, chiefly because my Sweepers sit there gawking while the toasters pump missiles into me. I've noticed this is a trend with all fighters. Some times they respond to missile attacks, other times they sit there passive and don't respond. Sometimes they don't even respond to Cylon raiders and get cut down. What's the best way for me to counter Missiles because Flak doesn't catch them all and is useless if the attack comes from above or below? Is there something I have to do to get Sweepers to sweep missiles? Help will be appreciated?

[Gryphon_Space]

sweepers need to be set up in a predictive manor and can only protect 1 angle, but if you did it right nothing comes through that angle.