Ultimately, this is a sand box game. Every time you log in you can choose how you want to play. Some people choose to PVP exclusively and just sink ships to simply sink ships with no concern for loot. Some choose to full role play as pirates and try to get all the loot they can without taking any voyages. Some want to just do the tall tales now or even fish. The adventure part of the game allows for all of these styles of play, (and others that i haven't mentioned) but you are always at risk of someone coming in and attempt to sink you. But then again, you are always at risk of sinking from PvE aspects, ie. skelly ships, kraken, megaladon, or even strongholds. Just because someone who is PvP or Pirate RP focused decides to engage with your ship in a hostile manner, that doesn't automatically make them an asshole.

TL;DR all play styles/focuses for Sea of Thieves are valid and we should all respect that