Pirate ID is dead. You can get an Outcast ID and pretend to be a group of unaffiliated pirates that just happen to be from Malta, that's what my intention is. Far wider engagement rights and places to dock isn't all that bad either.
EDIT: Maybe this has been asked and answered already, but what if two pirates brought along a Freelancer? Couldn't they just hire the Freelancer to kill whatever they see fit?