Ok, there is something what I cant understand. Its about the balance...
There are police factions who can observe the lanes and call support if needed. They can monitor whole houses. It depends on players.
There are military factions who are allied with their police neighbours. They have battleships, cruisers, abombs, etc. So they can kill those pirate cruisers what have been explored by donut guys. It depends on players.
There are freelancers who are hireable as a scout. /Add Cannon's idea. It depends on players.
And when I see this situation I cant say more just, everything is possible and being balanced, but...It depends on players.