what is the primary attribut/characteristic of NPC zoners? - wouldn t we say that it is "neutrality"?
now - what is the primary attribut of corsairs, outcasts, gaians, nomads, the order etc. ? - would we agree to roleplay that away against the lore? ( that means not only situational - but permanently )
it sets things in motion that cannot be stopped past some point.
lets say "breaking news: - crete has been made fertile, the population is growing and flourishing!" - lore-wise ... the precious balance between the impotent outcasts ( due to cardamine ) and the starving corsairs ( due to lack of food ) is broken. - both sides being held back from growing powerful ( cause by the lore, its not so much technology that holds them back, but the small population ) vanishes.
suddenly - corsairs deploy more and more and more warriors with each generation. we get into trouble "explaining" things when we go against some basic characteristics.
but when we say "no, ... some characteristics cannot be altered" - who can tell which ones can? - certainly not "other factions" - but if any... only the faction that is concerned can alter them... and only really ... when the people with an objective view about the factions future wellfare and progression say its beneficial.