The input on this thread has been constructive - kudos to all the participants.
I currently fly an indie Irra, so my opinions are biased in that regard.
The idea of indies flying *any* large capship has been a long-time subject on this server. It is worthy to note, that one of the main reasons this server was popular for so long was because of the capships. You didn't need to jump through hoops or kiss anyone's ring to fly one - with some notable exceptions. There will always be players who believe that capships should only be piloted by those with immaculate RP credentials. The problem with this viewpoint is being able to define what "correct" RP is? Who is the ultimate purveyor of this "correct" RP? How much room for individual creativity is allowed?
Let's take Nomspeak as just a single example. Player A thinks the correct form of Nomspeak is enigmatic to the point of being nearly incomprehensible. Player B thinks classic Nomspeak is pretentious gibberish. Afaik, there is no solid consensus of what constitutes "acceptable" Nomspeak.
I don't think Nomad RP is so sacrosanct, that players need to undergo a thorough indoctrination into the Nomad mythos before they can fly any vessel in the Nomad line. Should they read up on faction lore? Yes, it would be prudent. Should they RP a Nomad to the best of their ability and help create an entertaining enviroment for all involved? Yes. Should they respect fellow players and not curbstomp them at every possible turn? Definitely yes.
There's always going to be players that misuse BSes. They get caught and punished, sooner or later. If 25 indies fly BSes, and 10 of them do so in a lolwut, rule-breaking manner, should the remaining 15 indies be denied their BSes?
If we're going to SRP the Marduk, then we might as well SRP all of the BSes, just to be consistant. Not that I would support this idea.
The K'hara and the Vagrants have faction rights they have worked for - limitless cloak and a Sirius-wide ZoI - to name two. If a Mk II version of any ship in the Nomad line is in the works, they understably get exclusive ownership rights.
That said, giving indies access to Marduks, won't cause any world-ending problems. The ship is powerful, but it is also huge and ungainly. Many indies may just give up on it in favor of the much more maneuverable Irra.