concerning factions and their influence

[Hidamari]

but it would also make the server even less accessible - less newbie friendly.

Freedom doesn't necessarily means better. Direct or indirect pointing out people to join factions for whatever reason could actually help the newcomers a lot more than letting them fly in a space they simply don't understand.
Its the factions what are/should help out those people to understand the server roleplay and gameplay, and especially make them stay here.

Very much this, I try to recruit new players and if they do join they learn at about 500 times the normal speed at which they would have if left to roam unwittingly.

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[Jose Benitez]

the actual STRENGTH of an official faction is to "lead by example" - which is an opportunity - but also kind of a burden. but in order to do so - they do need some tools. revising the faction rights we have to be more practical and accessible is a way to go. - instead of inventing the wheel over again or creating a greater imbalance between faction players and non faction players, it would focus on their strength, not their weakness ( which is voluntarily limiting their own tools )

I'm not sure that I would agree that leading by example is a strength?

The fact that the officials lead by example is a BENEFIT for the community as a whole since the Officials should be giving some sort direction (in the broadest sense) for the RP of their faction, as well as helping to educate any new guys about the game in general.

The unfortunate thing is that the community in general do not seem prepared to offer much in return for the effort that the Officials put in. I accept that your last post does offer to give the Officials something for their efforts.