Matrix Games Forums

We all know how the public/private dichotomy works for regular empires, but what about pirates empires? As far as I can tell, pirates don't pay civilian upkeep, nor do they have to worry about stifling growth by overtaxing since civilian ships are paid for by the state. Am I missing something here, or is there really no reason NOT to pump out endless numbers of freighters and civilian bases? (Besides the initial build cost, of course, but even that is offset by the money they earn in the long run...)

Additionally, if my assertion about them not paying civilian upkeep costs is correct, then is there any point to the civilian upkeep cost bonus/malus of the different pirate classes?

Pirates pay all civilian ship upkeep.

They don't pay Troop upkeep funnily enough..