Well how about official factions open up more and change some of the structures? When you describe it it sounds like playing in a faction is a burden, rather than a joy, and obviously it shouldn't be like that. Maybe I'm reading too much into it, but when I encounter official faction ships in-game they rarely look like they are having a hoot unless they are in a massive group.
edit: perhaps make forum activity somehow count towards the activity tracker? forum activity is really essential to everyone, indies and officials alike, and should be rewarded.
