Doing a simple run in a 2k cargo transport, one can easily make 3 mill each way. Even if you get stung by a pirate each leg (really not gonna happen) and they ask for 2 mill, you are still gonna pay for that transport in 8 runs.
However, the likelyhood of you getting pirated for 2 mill each way is so insanely low (unless you are insane and take the same route over and over, despite knowing that there is a pirate there).
When I pirate by myself (doesn't happen all that much any more, I can't put up with the whining and re-engaging...), I usually encounter ships in the 3k cargo range who are gonna make anywhere up to 6 mill when they reach their destination.
In such conditions, I feel totaly justified asking for 2 mill. Hell, gimme some good RP and it's quite easy to drop me to 1 mill, or even less (saying "How about 1 mill" will usually suffice...).
Bargaining with pirates is almost certain to get you out if not cheaper, then tax-free. Saying "kill me" will result in me shooting at you with my shieldbusters until you go pop. Which not only completely wastes that run, but cuts into your next run's time.
Trading is boring. Even getting pirated must be more exiting than the constant boredom of "F3, F3, F3, F3", no?
![[Image: 2ecf33o.png]](http://i59.tinypic.com/2ecf33o.png)