yeah ive seen it done...however technically they arent in violation when they do it because:
6.19 Pirates have a right to deal as much damage as they see fit before or after demanding money from a trader ship, but killing trader ship before demanding money or cargo is not allowed.
so that ninja tactic is low...in all forms....but since they ninja'd a engagement notice they got of scott free...
NOW i have a suggestion...I have a small fleet of freelancers, about 6, from my clan on another game, and we are running x3 super heavy fighters, x1 bomber x2 armored transports set up to kill fighters/bombers....
how bout we all just return the favor in RP<<<<(this is important), and set up a "House sanctioned" hunting party, until they get the point, that we dont like PVP whores...i can have a few decent gunboats outfitted by tomorrow, and during the fights, we make it a point to make it as costly as possible, destroying valuable weapons, and equipment, even if they have lots of money, they will eventually slip up, and then we got them.....
Technically speaking, freelancers, mercs, bounty hunters, and Lawfuls are good to go for this hunting party...
but thats just a suggestion, im not insinuating we need to stoop to their level.