It's called "playing it smart." Shrapnel knows not to overextend itself and when it sees a good prize. Look at Space Empires IV!
Many companies over extended themselves and look at where they are now. In my job of telemarketing for Home Improvement products, I all to often meet laid off dot-com workers who founded a company, or was involved in the founding, and now have NO JOB.
Shrapnel was smart and kept themselves below the radar.
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HADRIAN
AVENTINE
pacea@solar-outpost.com
http://www.hyperionbase.com