Well, i know that last two attempts to Pirate my trader ended up with dead pirate. I mean, "2mils or death"... Yea, sure, but what if i have trader that can defend?
I fly royal liner, and i can take out sabre with average pilot behind it. So I cannot shoot even if I am able to respond on his fire?
Traders are same as any other character at least how i see it. Yes, their ID says you cannot be killed unless you refuse to pay tax. But I believe that shooting pirate up is also valid.
For instance, if dagger pilot stops Advanced train, should advanced train pay up 2mils to him? Or simply reject and fire back if pirate tries to kill him.
Hence i see no real reason for not applying 4 hours rule.