On that regard I've to state something about said independent ships. Still, those people claim the official faction would either restrict their RP or restrict them in using the ships they'd like to fly. And then it's the same people complaining that the official factions are not enough around, are not doing enough for them/with them, are not active enough, are not considering their thoughts/opinions.
Here's a freaking hint,... stop being an independent over your beloved ship and actually make yourself useful by being a part of one of the official factions, for whatever npc-group that is.