It is impossible, within the context of on-going combat, to be consistently merciful. And while mercy might not be something you expect from a nefarious pirate, it is a daily event. Often in small ways and sometimes in more expansive and potentially long-lasting ways. Such is the case in this exchange recently with a pilot. I had removed him from his ship and had his pod locked momentarily. It was then that I looked and discovered his age. But, more importantly, that he had 65 losses to only 5 wins on his kill-board. That's when I dropped the lock on his pod and told him to get it out.
When it comes to podding I have a general rule that I strive to follow. Good fights don't result in podding. Put up a fight and I'll let your pod go. Usually. Again, in the heat of battle this isn't always possible. Add to that the context of the environment around the fight. Sometimes I need to make a hasty retreat or take time to loot the wreck first. Other times the pilot is pre-aligned and gets their pod away. Or, in other cases, the pilot asks to be podded. In those cases I always provide that service. Podding is not the desired outcome of a fight, not for me or the other pilot. At least, not in my opinion. It serves a purpose, but it is not the primary concern in most cases.
Add to that the context in which I fly around the universe. I do feel that pressure when I am in space. I am in many ways an on-going brand ambassador for the game. That can take many forms inside of New Eden. From the people in local saying hello when I pass through. From the scattered warping and docking that people do when I enter a system. From a system with 12 people in it, to suddenly being alone. To the conversations that spring up. To the random intel that gets delivered daily through DMs and message requests. Often from random strangers. To the obvious challenges that get delivered on a daily basis. It is always an on-going environment in which I fly each day. And I am constantly aware of it, constantly running in the background.
And part of that responsibility, as I see it, is to try and help when I can. I will often pay for a very young pilot's loss when discovered. Especially when that young pilot shows initiative and positive attitude. I've been doing that forever. Part of the reason is that it was a kindness shown to me back in the very early days of my own Eve career. Several times, very early on, it may have been the difference between me staying in the game or leaving. You don't forget those moments. Nor should you.
Are we all bound to this kind of choice? Of course not. This is how I choose to play Eve. You make your own choices. But I do feel that if you love something you want to try and help it anyway you can. And that making additional choices that may help others enjoy the game? That seems, in the best sense, a no-brainer.
At least that is how I think of it. I'm no Saint.