GIVE PIRATES RANKS!
If not a pirates republic, can you least give them ranks? A partially functional republic but not really
Citizen=lubber
Captain=buccaneer
Major=filibuster
Colonel=commodore
Admiral=seasoned rogue
Baron=gentleman of fortune
Count= Bold admiral
Marquesses=sea lord
Duke=pirate lord
King= a pirate king
There can be only one pirate king at one time, but he has no power over them.. usually. In times of great peril, the pirate king can order his lords to set sail where he wants them to go. This should only be done once every couple months.