No way of evaluating alien motives or capabilities until actual interaction is documented. Why wouldn’t an alien group be equivalent to human populations with regard to all subtleties of human frailty and strength? Lies, obfuscation, jealousy....loyalties, patriotism, faith?
It’s all speculation. It could be that the only other ‘life’ in the universe exists as ionized gas. On the other hand it could be that at some point back in our ancient history some enterprising Atlanteans left earth and colonized Sirius. No way to know until we meet em.
“No way of evaluating alien motives or capabilities until actual interaction is documented.”
There is clearly a motive to leave us be to a large extent. There might be a treaty. But then you have poachers and pranksters.
I mean, imagine if Junior sneaks onto a star ship for a joy ride and shows off to his scaly girl friend. He saws up a cow with his laser and holds a barbeque someplace private. He wants to avoid long range spy devices [imagine the spy drones!], so he knows a nice cave in a giant meteor. Then, just when things get interesting, “This is no cave.”