Cargo and passenger ships

[Warspite3]

Do any of you make your own designs with these? I wonder if anyone has tried an armed version of these vessels or is it just better to escort them? When I see large freighters especially, I like to make sure they have at least 1 escort. I have not tried yet but I am considering making an armed freighter design with at least some weapons to defend itself from pirates or single ships. I also wonder if pirates will attack passenger ships?

[Tyranicus]

I did add weapons to my freigthers, I called it the "Civillian Safety Act" borrowed from the Sins of a solar empire tech name. The they fended off pirates until the hyper-drive kicks in, but other empire always ask what my military ships are doin in their systems.

[Okim]

Hm... I`m always equipping my freighters with 1-3 blasters/beams but i never received such a warning from any of my trade partners.

BTW freighter with a weapons can help escorts to do their job more efficiently. However in later games i prefer to put more armor and shields rather that weapons.