They already had like 10 exploration ships before this expansion. The SoE ships aren't entirely exploration though since they also have some combat bonuses. However, the damn things are so expensive (being 'pirate' ships and all) that it isn't worth it to take them out into nullsec for exploration or do any combat with them since you'll essentially be plastering a giant "hunt me down and -blam!- me" sign on your back out there by flying one.