There are multiple ways to Play PA.
Covert OP is just a valid way of playing as a scanner or regular ship builder. The only difference is it is seen less often so seems weird.
I don't mind covert ops because I always keep myself at immunce. Keep security centers high and use population to get there. With minimal security guards, youc an attract a lot of covert oppers who fail as they don't take into account your government or population settings.
It's not hard to get immune and if you can't be bothered to then it's your problem. I enjoy seeing people fail on me and you would too if you had the immunity.
I lvoe seeing that You have killed agents thing. I think we should get resources for it like salvage or maybe convert them to ourside instead of killing them. In general more of a bonus for those who stop them.