I have wondered why this is never addressed and Kusari seems to be the one place where it works--due to the singular factions there--there aren't multiple factions fighting for the same one.
The problem with independents is just that--they are independent. The problem with factions is the same thing--with mob mentality and us versus them thrown in to boot. Each faction has its own independent attitude. They are just "independents" on steroids .
Nowhere in the mod rules does it say "factions determine all other players role play". Good players that join together in a faction get to represent and be credited for their good play--and good independents should be the same.
Us is them and them is us. This whole us vs them mindset has to stop. I sympathize with the independents not because I think they are right or better but because the one good point they have is they aren't trying to force people to role play by their rules. Factions could learn from that if they were smart. Role play your own rules is fine--force them onto others as their role play? No one gave you that right--though more and more, I see factions claiming that right as if they do have it.
Every governmental in-game faction needs a universally "hard coded" legal/structural/rank codex/chain of command--NOT controlled by a faction.
It needs to be built in. I think ideally, their should be ACTUAL rules (not demands by factions they tell everyone are rules) that determine who is an admiral, how many admirals and cap ships there are and then let ALL the players of that faction vote regularly on who is to be the admiral or leader.
Then you can have an individual, an official faction leader or an unofficial one be "commander in chief" and have the authority to declare someone "lawful" or "unlawful" in their rank or ship. If he is merely following set rules and is elected to that position.
Make an AUTHORITATIVE legal codex for every group and have a democratic vote by registered players for the positions in those groups. this is an alternative to the chaos, anger, resentment and bullying that are used to force play now. That's what's "killing' Discovery (I think its growing is all). This is no different than if three guys played D&D together for five years and then one night the whole neighborhood shows up to play. Be selfish and kick everyone out so just the three can play or realize you have an opportunity to grow the game. Same here.
Players could follow a variant of the "two faction" rule and only be allowed to vote in two factions. So they aren't voting for every faction position in the game and using their faction members to control every other one.
There is nothing preventing having say the LPI (for example) have a UNIVERSAL (in Liberty) fine for specific crimes, rules of engagement, etc. that are enforced by and bind anyone with the ID. Same with any other group.
Otherwise we are back to, "My faction is biggest and was here first, we made ourselves admiral now shut up and obey or be KOSed.
You have a new mod coming up and its a GREAT chance to sweep this "too many chiefs and not enough indians" syndrome away.
The problem isn't having restrictions it having one player (or group of players) try to dictate them over another.
Can someone with "clout" on here--maybe you so-called "leaders of the server"--start a move to make this happen? That would be something factions could set in motion--by supporting the idea (not hijacking or commandeering it).
<span style="font-family:System">Hogosha Exile</span> The Journal of Benjo Dokosai
