Paul Campos at LG&M reacts to the resolution of hostage-taking. Among his points:

I don't feel at all bad for the pirates. They were given ample opportunity to surrender and face trial, and under the circumstances they certainly must have understood that maintaining ransom demands could be fatal. An understanding of why pirates act (both to survive AND to get rich) cannot preclude law enforcement activity.

Over several days, the United States negotiated with the hostage-takers through intermediaries. Moreover, at any time the hostage-takers could have figuratively waived the white flag. The primary substantive message that is sent when a person or group takes a hostage or hostages is "I/We are prepared to murder our hostage(s)." That's why they're called hostages. The party from whom the ransom is demanded must necessarily take the hostage-takers at their word.

Even in a state of supposed, romanticized "lawlessness" that is the "open seas" there are rules and understandings. Both sides knew and adhered to them.