in my opinion in germany the people and the media got used to the name. now, the laughter is over, there are still a lot of nautic metaphores in media coverage, but they grow old. the "pirate" in the name is "going neutral" as nobody is associating eyepatches anymore, but politics. to have a "better" / more "reputable" name is neither helpfull to get the first media attention, nor to keep a presence.
although, amelia, you're right and you got the point, i think the naming is way overrated.
pls excuse my poor english.
p.s. i would'nt vote kim schmitz even if he figured out the coolest name for a party ever.