[Poruku]

Many of these "ganktagonists" are rarely done in a way that makes their approach viable. They don't cover their tracks. They wanted into public areas without a disguise. They don't offer any intrigue. They exist only to cause you bodily harm and it gets them put to the sword. 

First of all, being caught is never a matter of "not covering our tracks". We usually get caught when people really want to hunt us down. We allow it because there's no point in hiding forever when people are hunting us down.

Secondly, getting caught due to wandering in a public area without a disguise isn't that common. Usually, we get caught because we lose a fight, or someone calls for help. It has happened twice in the past that I wandered into a public area though. The first time was because the card gang just didn't give a fuck, and it was about time to end their story. The second time was because I forgot we were wanted in that part of the world. You can hardly blame the antag for getting caught anyway, when you're the one who wants them to get caught.

Thirdly, the part about "not offering any intrigue" is completely false. I offer intrigue as much as possible. I do my best to provide stories and clues to follow, even sometimes involving NPCs to deepen the plot. That's not always possible though, because the amount of intrigue I can provide depends on people's interest. All my antagonists have a proper story behind them that can be tackled. And going against those antags always comes with intrigue if the heroes are willing to play ball.

Fourthly, the reason why we often go for bodily harm is because there is basically only two things we can do. Robbery, or harm. I prefer robbery, but harm is good too. Going for anything more complex is difficult. For instance, it's impossible to be a member of a faction and be some kind of corrupt official. People won't let you do it. I would love to hear your suggestions on that front. Antagonists can have a wide variety of motivations and ways to operate, but at the end of the day, combat and conflict usually mean harm.

Fifth, I think it's a pretty good example of what I'm talking about. You say yourself that you cannot tolerate any criminals in your territory, even considering it something your character would take personally. That's just your character's perception of it. Any nation will have criminals, the antagonists are simply the ones played by players. And the reason they die so quickly is because people like you want them gone/dead immediately, as they are an affront to the peace and order of your faction. And of course I will usually make another one later, because I enjoy(ed) playing those characters. 

Overall, if you're willing to share your recipe for a viable antagonist, I'm all ears.