Couldn't agree more. As a new player struggling to get to grips with the game, I suddenly find I can't find anything to attack nor join in any battles.
If they keep this, there will be a lot of newbies put off with aimless sailing around or trying to join groups. After playing maybe 12 hours, concentrating on getting some experience and cash together I don't even know what a group is!
And if your some old sea salt with a floating gun fort, just remember if new players dont hang around, the game will die a death