While I've only played here as an Indie, off and on, I must admit, I WANT to join some of the factions. I have a backstory (albeit unwritten at this point) for this character, but also, I don't ASK for anything. I'm not going to ASK to join a faction. If a faction sees me on and thinks I might be a good fit for what they do, they should be trying to sell their faction to me. I might have missed someone saying it, but I'm going to say it anyway. Recruit people. Don't wait for them to come to you.
"Have you ever thought of a life in the Liberty Security Force, protecting our systems from all enemies, foreign and domestic?"
"Want some real combat action, join us, The Corsairs."
"Want to be free from oppression and live your life, your way, come fly with the Zoners."
"There's a war on, and we need ever able-bodied Bretonian to do their part, join the BAF and rid our homeland of the Gallia invaders."
You guys complain about all the Indies on the Server, and well, that's your mistake. Those are the undecideds you have to win over. The window shopper you need to sell to. The more engaged you are with us, the Indies, the more likely you are to recruit some. And, frankly, some of the Factions have deep RP requirements. That's a hefty amount of work for some of the Indies who just discovered this place.
Granted, this particular theory only works if the Indies, like me, are here for Role-Play purposes as well as just flying around. If you made it to be an Official Faction in the past, there had to be interest in it. Most of them are broad in scope it should not be too hard to find a couple of people without tags that might join up.
Again, I haven't lived here consistently as all of you have, probably because I've never found a home or family here. So, as much as it's worth, that's my view on this.