So,

I'm embroiled in a remarkably aggressive early game - 4 vs me A very clever opponent has gifted me a dictator, which upon arrival will disable my shields. I can see this devolving into a dictator hot potato scenario in which we just pass this 'gift' off, perpetually disabling each other's shields. I can't speak for others, but I can see this getting old fast.

I can picture two ways out of this situation, but they seem like they are draining the fun out of it for me.

Gift the dictator, then conquer an opponents outpost. Effectively taking said dictator out of play as a captive (I believe)
Retire the game, in the hopes that the gift will stay the property of the giver?

I'm honestly leaning towards the second one - not a good sign?

Seems like a gifted ship should be able to be refused either by bouncing it back or by self-destructing it?