I remember Admins complaining about "extra work" , and understand that.
And I realise very well that there IS no perfect AND simple solution.
But I see more and more complicated suggestions appearing... who is to PROCESS all that stuff ?
What about cutting the faction activity requirements ?
Let 1 player have his very own official faction, if he is willing to play 24 hours a month , all alone. Or even : raise the time requirenment to 30 hours again.
But cut the "player requirements" . One alone... 2 a faction ... 3 , 4 , 5 ... away with it.
If Player xyz spends the time to get official, gets a perk and manages to hold it : let him ?
And if he attracts others to do the same : let them join him ?
Why not ? Because you could do it better ? Faster ? MMOOAARRR ?
Then do it ? If 2 or more "factions" COMPETE for an official perk / status ... then decide and process.
Keep it simple till then.