They were called the Conflux
They would infest TPs, bombers would have to nuke the infest to open the routs to locations. The longer the infestation, the more nukes it took to destroy it. While high lvls of AI defended the infest. Higher lvls of AI (talking about observer lvl or higher) destroyed structures, players, anything that was shootable in the sector,,,island,,,that was sepperated from the map. The TP on the adjacient islands would be infested...not the isolated island TPs.. So outside forces could rescue the trapped island.
But Conflux was lore, a part of the total game. They had a history, and were the AI that brought conflict to everyone that flew in space. Miners were shot by them, cargo ships, everyone. When they saw you they attacked. not a matter of running around them, and they go back to their programed march...they chased you to your destination...or your demise.
This brought trades to that game,,like escorts, and conflux shooters. That kept shipping lanes open. I know someone in a sequer does not want overlords chasing them to the 'end' but this is what is missing, in this game.
I should admit that just because AI was no mercy, it was lvl set for risk/reward scenarios. And alpha areas would still be like they are now. But a beta with its entry tps camped by AI and Observers blowing up everything for hrs on end. Including doing the SAPs, might bring some life to the show.
When Corps go awol from the game this control, or content, boots them from their home. If one player multi boxing against high lvl AI keeps a OP from going poof. Cool. But this dynamic function puts a cycle on OP ownership, with the game doing the dirty work of booting lazy, or awol players back to alpha.
A pointy stick works,,,,,,sometimes..:)