"The Hallows Bane have returned, spreading terror and chaos across the Galaxy. Local economies begin to suffer as they pillage unsuspecting ships and colonies. "

Why not have it so that these seasonal NPCs such as the Bane and the Scruuge actually hit back? so you could have a random ship event.. "your ship has been raided by a Bane Eidolon! 200 mineral pts were stolen!" and you could see a link to it so u could disable it back(or not, discuss). Or you could have them doing random planet hits..... " planet xxxx has been attacked by a bane reaver, 1 production module has been sabotaged"

Not a major change, but I just thought it would make sense that when they appear, they actually DO something rather than just get smoked by us. This way its more of a two way thing. This idea will probably get shot down in seconds, but its my first ever suggestion.