I think the point being that black holes are only ever black when they're not feeding on anything. Otherwise the radiation (light etc) from material falling into it would be so bright (and deadly) around black holes that we would never see the "black" part while it's feeding anyway.
feeding black holes would be a nice addition to the game, though you probably would never be able to survive a close encounter with one.... and if they decided to simulate the jets that can occur I would hate to accidentally be within a lightyear of it's path, if not more.