Strengthen the Dread Lords

I've posted about this in the past.  In my current game the Dread Lords event happened some time ago on the other side of the galaxy.  I was happy about this because I was hoping they would continue to strengthen and become a huge threat later in the game for me.  WAS I MISTAKEN.  I currently looked where their space was growing and to my surprise the Drengin wiped them out.  What good is the Dread Lords if the third ranked empire which is 1/8 my size is able to wipe them out with ease?

So my request is make them stronger...  Please...