So basically we're stuck in a situation that neither side can get out of.
The player factions think independents are below them, and the independents think the player factions are taking too much power over them and others in the game. It's practically an unspoken war going on right now between the two because nobody can get along.
The independents wont settle for putting up with the faction BS by joining, and the factions wont settle for independents wanting equality.
Sounds to me like one side or the other needs to give, and neither is going to.