Of course you could just crush them... but it is so much more fun to sit safe in your systems crushing anything they throw at you while slowly shredding their empire from within.
Note: I have found that most people stop developing intel after 100k to 200k intel points per turn. So with a simple 400k to 600k(this with -50% to intel points in race bonuses) I can regularly break down their defenses. With four fully developed level 3 counter programs stored up in the back I can focus on attacking and breaking down the enemy while they will be forced to do nothing but defend. Even the few attacks they might try to get through are easily blocked.
Intel is far too often undervalued. Never underestimate the ability to grab and analyze enemy ships pretty early in the game with a strong intel system. With such a system research doesn't have to be upto par with everyone else. You research what you need and take the common areas from others. And self destruct devices can't stop intel ship takeover.
Also while breaking through built up intel defense can take awhile, once it is broken down it is easy to keep it down.