[Marty Ward]

I think this is a great idea for a rade style but you have to give them planets or else create a whole new tech tree with extremely low research cost. Without it they will take forever just to research Light Crusiers much less any of the techs needed to pirate effectively.
They also should have special facilities available with the Pirate racial trait. A pirates den facility to store all their loot! This could also generate tons of intel and whatever other bonuses you want to give them.
You could really do a lot with this idea.
I think it certainly can be done and would be a bLast to play!