I say these pirates have a pretty good business plan, actually. Invest as little as possible in ships, turns and voodoo, and look for an opportunity with the greatest haul while taking into account retaliation costs. I don't particularly like it, but I do respect it as a business model that affects my bottom line at times.
It is risky for the pirate, as their only true allies are other pirates. They have worked hard to make it as pirates. Most of 'em I know have hit a small jackpot now and again, and they have also lost it all and started over again. (I can't say that about many traders.)
The secret to avoiding piracy is don't be a business opportunity to pirates. Reduce there risk-to-reward ratio as it were. The old ways of retaliate them to the waterline doesn't work anymore. So reduce their rate of return and raise their risk of loss. Start using some imagination and experiment.
Pirates adapt and change, and are constantly working their business, lookin' for their edge. It is now time for traders to do the same. The game, after all, is called "Pirates Glory."