[2022] Unbidden change?

There has been a fair amount of work done on the AI in general, and the crisis specifically since 2.6. I'm not sure if the recalling behaviour has changed to not care about the portal system until the anchors are destroyed, but I would not be surprised.

Establishing the Galactic Defence Force might help you out here, as a way to build upkeep-free ships, and turn the tide. :)