If a group of 10 independant players banded together and set down some rules for a system, they would have to be obeyed just the same as any faction would.
If you don't, they would simply hunt you down, as the factions do.
The only difference between a faction and a group of players banded together is a name. (And some RP connections etc)
To be honest I think this ought to be left as a grey area. Defining it one way or another will just harm independants or faction people.
