Yes, Matra 550 Magic was a better weapon than the 530, which was pretty mediocre, especially the semi-active version. However, comparing anything to AIM-9B (the original 'winder) isn't saying much.
The AIM-9 installation on the Nimrod was a serious installation, not just for show. My nav and I gave them their AIM-9 briefing and worked out how they might use it for them. The idea was that if anything was stupid enough to fly in front of them, they could have a go at shooting it. Aiming with no missile sight was an issue, but we found a way aroiund it using chinagraph - seriously.