Is it against the rules?

[Mere_Mortal]

Level 40 is only applicable to the rules of identification, level 30 is where PvP rules come into the matter. In other words, if you're a level 30 civilian with a Corsair IFF, an Outcast is well within their rights to pummel you to Sol and back.

Personally, I think that if you're going to RP with a civilian character, you are better off using a Freelancer ID (which is still technically a civilian in the eyes of the law). I don't think the Corsairs would be too concerned as long as you have their IFF (they don't like Freelancers I hear). That is what I did with Rhino, I didn't think it would be fair on, say pirates as a prime example, if I have a hold full of lary lads that are off to see the Queen, all pointing fun at the pirate outside their window whilst we just stroll by as if it's not going to eat our children, when in reality it would eat our grandchildren too. If I had a civilian ID with no IFF, the pirate could not touch me at level 20, but because it has a Freelancer ID they can.