I've said how it looks to me, since I'm not in either faction I won't even try to argue on that. And I'm rather glad to hear there are no grudges.
Well indies to affect a lot of faction, and they make it look different then situation is.
Maybe try to encourage them to join the faction ? Or try group with them and teach them better. I myself know how hard is it, so I won't preach you about it if you tried.