How are they playing into anyone's hands? Perhaps you are aware of updates on the stand off that I'm not, I haven't checked the latest news today.
The so called pirates were making a living as fishermen until the rest of the world decided that since there was no functioning government to defend the area, they would come and steal all the fish.
They have been very much restrained and have not "buck bucked" a single person as yet to my knowledge... and as far as russian made AK's, what are they supposed to use? Sticks?
I support the pirates, I'm sure they are not all "angels" whatever that means but everything I've read so far indicates that they are being very humane and restrained in the circumstances and the ransom money they have made is benefitting the local community (I'm sure not as much as it's benefitting them personally but it is trickling down and most people in the area seem to support them).
They're certainly a lot nicer than the pirates in Guyana's rivers who will slit your throat for a dollar...