Okay once more into the breach, eh Sindrom? I have to agree. No one fought harder to maintain indi pirate status than I did. I was always being questioned about my ship (IMG GB) and my weapons( I once had a dragon missile launcher). I got tired of defending it. I'm a lane hacker now, with the appropriate ID and ship. I have researched my role and I'm working it. Do I miss my IMG boat? Kinda, I was used to it. Do I resent the change? NO... because I want to improve my RP experience. I sit back and watch people completely go against their own ID and Factions, not just in equipment but in word and in action. I just shake my head. I existed in a gray area... for about a year. I got tired of it. But this isn't a gray area...
If you are a pirate... by golly you aren't going to use anything BUT pirate tactics. It simply doesn't make sense. However... That argument is like a dead horse... and this one has been beaten to a pulp. Suffice it to say the only people we really have any control over is ourselves. Sad but true. If people don't listen to reason and respect our desire to RP, hey fine... we simply move on. If their actions or words, for that matter are so beyond the pale or reason... well sorry...folks....Screenshot and report. I see no other recourse. To me that's the last step. I always try to give an offender a heads up in private... that's my way... but yanno eventually it becomes too stupid for words and diminishing returns... I've not had to report anyone, thankfully most listen to reason, or I simply just get outta there. But to be honest, My priorities are to have fun. FUN!
So if I have the time to educate and support, sure I will... but when it starts to feel like a job... I'm not having fun anymore. So I'll go anti social and move on out. I wish I had an easy answer here. I'm afraid Disco is like life and you'll find, as Jihad Joe says... "Screaming Monkeys" just about anywhere.
I hope you guys won't let it completely ruin your day and we can get on with some FUN!!!