Bjorn, this remark concerns ME, not the USI. This was a personnal comment and as far as I know connecticut is OORP. Dont involve the faction in this, if you have a problem with me, fix it with me. (for point 5)
For point 1, I actually never saw myself USI members tracking random pirates other than trying to fine one of our traders or an employee or tracking a pirate of the bounty list. But maybe I miss things. Please also check Universal Shipping ID.
For minefields, it's a tactic like any other, I see it being done everyday, yet I don't see anything official prohibiting this, even though I'm not fond of this tactic.