Honestly, I think it would bolster RP all over the server if bandits would incorporate more RP to their acts. Firstly, it'll give a name to these would-be robbers and killers. There may be a nobility house dedicated to banditry/killing, but honestly... who really knows it? Only those who actually read those threads in the nobility section of the Census, and that's not many people. So probably to most who venture into the SW - mainly those who're complaining, the bandits are nothing but PvPer's with no regards to any sort of RP. Don't get me wrong, PvP is fine; it's what gives the SW its risk. But wouldn't it be more entertaining for both sides if some kind of roleplaying factor was added?
Secondly, the macro software that's been mentioned here several times would immensely help with incorporating RP into banditry. It shouldn't be hard to find a safe program to download, bind your uber-snazzy catchphrase or what-have-you to a hotkey, then bandit away in the SW. Also, as previously stated, if your prey runs away after you've given your phrase, you'll be hot on their heels since it's only pressing 1 button. If you can't be bothered to do this, then you really are lazy.
Thirdly, for those who survive their encounter with the bandits, there could be even more RP involving the NK. Crazy stuff, right? RP? About bandits!? In the NK!?? 'Tis madness! No. No, it's not. How, you ask, can there be RP in the main world about bandits in the SW? Simple! Those who survive can go to their town authority(ies) and ask them to deal with the bandits in the SW. Perhaps not a war, but every week or so, there could be a mini-event for a group of soldiers/mercenaries to fight the bandits. Sounds kinda interesting, aye? Not only would there be a better outlook on bandits in OOC, but it'd give something else to do against the bandits. Sorta like, the remnant bandits from Protaras, or something like that... I dunno. I'm just throwing around ideas that pop into my head about this.
My 2 cents on this subject. Take it for what you will.