The Rogues offer new players an introduction into the unlawful discovery universe, sure, you won't be getting a destroyer, no, but our gunboatbomber, the Barghest, can solo kill a battlecruiser without much effort, and its fun to smuggle on the unlawful side you know.
The Blood diamond run between Rogues and Red Hessians is a very profitable route, Get a Pirate Train and a barghest as an escort and you will be raking in QUITE well. Not to mention we pirate traders as well *cough* So I honestly do not see why would you trade if you can make traders come to you.