Pirates in low security areas have now become much more powerful (as you requested),
so venturing out there without the protection of a few cruisers and frigates is
probably a very bad idea. They also have an improved and more diverse arsenal, and
you might have to equip yourself with adequate defense equipment to dodge that.
For those unfortunate newbies that found themself trapped in such a system after
the patch, please make a petition to ask for transfer to next system beside it.