An enemy ship, is an enemy ship, and your a pirate!!!
When in range, they should be firing or running!
Here we have a Navy ship whose job it is to clear the seas of pirates.......
Navy Lookout: Ahoy Captain! Pirate ship on the horizon fighting another ship, and heading into firing range!! Shall we bring her about to attack?
Navy Captain: Nah, lets see if they attack us first, it's tea time.
Things probably wouldnt go like that....
As a matter of fact, it would INCREASE the likelihood of them attacking because they have you outnumbered/gunned.
One of the many skills in sailing in the game is not only sinking the ships you want, but avoiding those you do not wish to engage.
No idea is a bad one... However I just dont think this one 'works'