Part of the establishment yes, but I’ve always felt that the job description was a licensed pirate
A privateer was a licensed pirate. Royal Navy officers had to put up with doing the boring bits, such as months of blockade duty, when there was little chance of any prize money, but which could actually do more to win the war than winning a naval battle.
Have you read Joan Aiken’s sequel Mansfield Revisited?
I knew someone had written a Susan-Tom romance, but couldn't think who. I've read most of her stuff - and her sister's - but don't think I've read that.
I love Charles Musgrove
Poor Charles. Not terribly bright, but good natured, an affectionate son, brother and father, and is stuck with the awful Mary, whom he puts up with remarkably well.
I once read critique of Persuasion which pointed out that although Anne is initially presented as such a poor thing, she is pursued by virtually every male character in the book - which is quite true, even the married ones are fond of her in a fatherly or brotherly way. The only man who doesn't appreciate her is her own father.