Just some ideas for single player/NPC improvement with the AI.
1). Give the smaller ships a way of avoiding the front firing arcs of Kols, for example. IE; keep the Kol moving. As a side to this, I don't like how some turrets can shoot through the ships, and weapons can pass through asteroids. If this was changed you may also be able to get them to seek cover.
2). I would prefer that the Pirates strategically attack to THEIR advantage, not the highest bidder as they are essentially mercenaries then. I would recommend that the pirates look for weak areas and perhaps intercept cargo ships (and so rob you of income).