Yeah you need free port later but what I mean is even WITHOUT free port and AI cores im attacked, so really, there is no reason NOT to use free port and AI cores.
They give you more income, which lets you get better ships, which lets you fight off pirate bases and *** off death fleets from enemy factions that will attack you ANYWAY.
I know this isn't an empire building game, but it is a game with a decent plot, good mechanics, and interesting battles. However, colonies in the way they function have poor mechanics, break the established lore, and don't provide interesting battles.
TL;DR good idea, REALLY bad execution currently.