While I do understand the decision, the raiders did add a sense of tension while sailing in capital waters of other nations. As someone who lost a ship to raiders earlier today, I will miss seeing them removed. In the end, it was my own fault for not being more aware of the waters I was sailing in. As long as a player maintains situational awareness, the raiders, I feel are fine.
With respect to nations being at a tense peace, could the raiders not fly under some sort of pirate flag as a solution to that argument? Just a thought.