It would be nice if, in addition to rocket pods, helicopters in vanilla would have the option to mount gun pods, and for the Mi-8, bombs as well. This would enhance the lethality against lightly armoured vehicles without costing an arm and a leg in terms of supply.

Realistically, the Huey would mount either 7.62 mm (either M60 or M134) or .50 cal MG pods.
AFAIK, Mi-8 MTV had the option to mount a 12.7-mm MG pod (using a rotary gun in the pod) or a twin 23-mm gun pod, as well as the option to drop FAB-250 bombs.