How about an artifact/trap that you add to your ship that makes it appear to be much stronger than it actually is when you are targeted?
If you are attacked it is spent and goes.
Down to player to look at combat reputation and fights etc to see if they think those 4 dominion cannons mark 3 their scanners tell them you have got are legit or not!
_________________Psychotic, deranged, delusional and prone to rocking by ourselves in a corner.... and thats on a good day!
Still, we are more fun than an oiled and willing Jessica Alba!
New Galactic Order... you already know if you will fit in!