I think people are confusing what the hardship program is, and how it works.
the HA is there so that struggling factions (that are still alive) can have a chance to regain their activity and regain their officialdom place.
From what ive seen about the forums, and many others it seems, this GMG| is substantially different enough to warrant starting from unofficial. If GMG| had shown any sort of life before the activity post, hardship would probably be warranted. GMG|'s activity only sparked afterwords with the changes and the S-13 event.
Consider this though: GMG| would have a bit of an easier time at regaining officialdom as you have everything you need and are quite active, compared to really starting from scratch.
![[Image: 9KgNaeX.png]](http://i.imgur.com/9KgNaeX.png)