I don't ever recall specifically stating that they were mindless. They aren't, clearly, as they have objectives. I've simply stated that I don't intend to put their thoughts into writing AND that even if I did it wouldn't necessarily make sense to you or I.

Also I think you are blowing them out of proportion. Are they a threat to my civilization? Yes. Does that necessarily mean they are a threat to any other given civilization? No. The reason being is that my civilization isn't going to be as developed as everyone else's.