Privateers are a great addition to the game. The ability to upgrade privateers would be realistic and immersing. Example - right now privateers have only armor for defense. Allowing for upgrades to include shields, point defense and up gunning them would be great.
Also, at certain levels multiple commanders are essential - particularly on ludacris galaxies. Perhaps the Strategic Command or a structure for an every player equivalent could allow colonies to build commanders (like spies or legions).
luceo non uro