Best for its time? That depends on the circumstances and the Oppositions response. For example - 264 Sqn RAF went into action with their Boulton & Paul Defiants on 12 May 1940 and by 31 May had claimed 65 EA destroyed. Such success was short lived and the aircraft was quickly relegated to the Night Fighter role as daylight losses mounted.
On the other hand I would suggest that the People of Malta in the early 1940's would insist it was 3 Sea Gladiators named "Faith, Hope and Charity".