I'm doing OK in a a new game, up to medium scale building. I'm average in military strength.
I get a random event - "Pirates! ...etc, etc."
A few turns later, I get another message - "Pirates have Ascension, etc, etc. Won't share with other races".
The problem? Pirate fleets are now RIDICULOUSLY overpowered.
With my "average" military I had a few fleets with missile attack / defense 6. Pirate fleets now have around 570 missile attack / defense.
These stupid pirate fleets have now obliterated EVERY LAST ship / starbase in the galaxy; both mine and AIs.
This can't possibly be intended?