I play almost exclusively in Dublin and I like the system because there are so many factions present. I don't think it is a problem, but a huge advantage. The most lively roleplay can be found in the mix, even though - especially if you are out for pewpew mainly - some strange alliances can happen. This is what gave Dublin its bad name.
BAF - Mollys set to hostile: Yes, that will give the Mollys a cause to fight and a target, too. BAF and Mollys just fighting verbally feels to me a bit as if Russians and Americans were doing Joint patrols in Berlin during the Cold War.
The Zones of Influence: I like it as the map states it. It would increase Molly influence (which had been centered on the Arranmore and the field next to it mainly). Now it would be the complete western part (even though nothing much is happening there, roleplay-wise). The action is centered around Essex, the northern center Jumpholes and the Gate.
IMG's zone: I would like to have a small IMG controlled territory around Hood (5-10 k?) in which the IMG rules. I don't think it would make sense IRP to include the Jumpholes into that zone of influence, though. BAF should not yield these entry points to a mining guild that also is known for cooperating with the Mollys (= their enemies).
=> Solution: Move the JH a bit to the east? So that they are not inside the IMG territory around Hood?
Or: Hood has drifted a few k further west.
If the IMG gets no zone of their own, this won't hurt our roleplay there. We are not a police force in Dublin and we mainly stick to self defence and the support of our friends against common enemies (there is only Corsairs for us at the moment because attacking all other major factions active in Dublin would hurt us in some way or the other).
Some mistakes I saw in this thread:
> BMM has never been allowed to mine in the Arranmore field. We play there a lot and if BMMers enter there, they will be kicked out really fast.
> IMG mining in Arranmore field is the result of roleplay (nothing fishy about it). With the rise of the MMC Molly miners, it is perfectly rational to invite an experienced mining corporation to help delvelop the field.