I'd like to suggest a new Faction focusing on Adventure PVP.
In the Devil's Roar, there is a Merchant Alliance contractor who mentions that one day a 'Real Navy' will arrive in the Sea of Thieves and chase off the pirates.
The purpose of this faction would be to offer rewards for defeating self-declared Pirates within the game. Ships that raise the Jolly Roger, Reapers Mark or commit offensive actions against other players become marked; but also gain a reward timer system; the longer they survive, the more gold/doubloons they get. Upon a set amount of time this reward is collected.
However; if the Bounty Hunters/Imperials are able to destroy them, they collect the reward and gain reputation in the new faction; or can turn in an item from the destroyed Pirate that can be used for rep/coin.
This will give people an incentive to chase down overly Aggressive Pirates, while also giving the Pirates a chance to fight as they seem to want so much.
