How about a compromise .. sort of. We reduce the in game time requirement from 24 to 20 and/or reduce active members from 5 to 4.
However, we require some iRP forum activity from the factions as well.
What I have in mind is this (an example):
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All factions are required to:
1. Have a minimum of 24 hours of activity per 30 days.
2. Have a minimum of 5 active members.
-OR-
1. Have a minimum of 20 hours of activity per 30 days.
2. Have a minimum of 4 active members
3. Have a minimum of 5 iRP forum activities.
The following constitutes as 1 forum activity:
a. A convoy report constituting at least 3 members (including escorts) and spanning at least 4 systems
b. An engagement report constituting 4 or more participants
c. A mining report where at least 20,000 units of a commodity was mined (excluding water and other "cheap" commodities)
d. Special roleplay posts such as biographies, multi post inter-faction communications etc.
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The above is a very rudimentary example. I'd assume that factions with less than the required in-game activity will be given a warning. The factions given this warning may chose to petition it by providing evidence of iRP forum activity (so that admins don't have to do extra stuff to verify forum activity, i.e. the burden of proof of forum activity lies with the faction)