well - the problem is that a lot of players do not share that opinion too much. or why do we see a lot more red catamarans out there than there are blood dragons, more blood dragon VHF with krakens than with daitos - etc.
if a faction has poor equipment, players go a long way to justify their need for equipment. - how often have we heard that phrase that "a bomber is only a bomber when it has got a supernova" - funny you might say, - considering there s the free-for-all razor.
balance is overrated? - then we can start getting rid of making some factionized gear free for all. i wish to see all the outcast side stick to guns and infernos on their bombers - while the corsair side uses supernovas and novas.
the houses being stuck to - well, razors. - thats pure RP. - no one ... and i m pretty sure NO ONE wants it that way - and suddenly, everyone is asking for factionized supernovas... .
extreme examples much? - so, where do we start saying its balance and where to we start saying its RP.
so - who of the non allies of the order is willing to volunarily give up the right to use a supernova / armour type 8 - in favour of roleplay to respect the superiority of the order in technological means. - no one? - so thats balance to us.