1. Sure, though if we are playing a human dominated nation or sector they would most likely be a minority

2. Hmmm hard choice. A peaceful state would be better for a standard pirate, gov vs the pirates, though a war adds the element of multiple sides and large scale space battles that we might get dragged into. To that end I might just have to say a war scenario, or rebellion scenario 

3. I would actually have to say a ship along the lines of a Heavily modified corvette class (bigger guns, more cargo space) or a light warship.