Taking one's guns and firing at one of their assets is a far more efficient use of your time.
I definitely agree in most cases, but this is an option that I've used to good effect in my "swindle" games. It's sometimes necessary when using that strategy, to declare war on AIs on the other side of the galaxy.
Who wants to spend time talking to one's food?
Spoken like a true predator. Food animals dont warrant talking to. You are a credit to the Kzinti Empire!
Sentient species taste better...