I would much rahter being able to Attack on sight as a terrorist. Demanding money doesn't seam right. AS Doom said, fighting for a cause would mean disrupting the economy of the Target.
Remeber, as a Pirate as well, when you first enter a system you are allwoed to Say. "If we spot you, hand over $$$$ mil or you will die." Then you don't have to wait and type when you spot the trader, you can just start shooting them untill they pay.