[mac5732]

I like the idea of both pirates and the Nomads. Possibly incorporate both races, each with their own racial profiles, and options for their particular races and specific tech trees designed for just their particular race. This would make the game quite interesting.

Pirates usually had hidden and secret bases, therefore, give them either the ability to have a form of cloaking at beginning or as a research tech. you could start them out in 2 or more random selected areas of the map with hidden bases. Their bases could be cloaked and/or hidden in astroid fields, nebulas etc. and the bases should be heavily armed. Their fleets should have ability to attack planets even if defended by defense systems to steal population, resources to help build, research Tech etc.
They would have to be race that eventually has to be dealt with sooner or later and give them something that they could win the game, that way they are not just an irratint
but an actual threat. Possibly have them interdict systems stopping all trade, resources etc coming from those systems until they are removed, destroyed or forced to flee. just some ideas. mac5732