[grumbler]

Originally posted by Suicide Junkie:
Actually, it would be the opposite. They'd grow in strength exponentially unless they are harrassed early on before they can build up their resources.
Keep them with weaker weapons so they only have a limited supply of the better (stolen) items

The problem with the Raiders is that they only exist in one area and so will only be an issue for one race (two at most). I have played games with raiders like this and can attest that for the afflicted race this is a real burden. Late in the game, the Raiders are so far behind in tech that it doesn't matter, but early (between, say, turns 50 and 150) attacks by the raiders can be very debilitating and destabilize the game balance.

If raiders were more of a universal "background" threat they would be great.