@Nik, you're right, but both of these ideas require a modification on the game itself. I'd rather brainstorm about ideas which do not require the attention of the devs and can be implemented by the playerbase itself.
@Blodo: I've been thinking a lot about how to implement the "deals with both Corsairs and Hessians" thing, but on the long term, it would be difficult to maintain neutrality / friendliness with both factions in a war with each other. Then again, you very well highlighted how both large factions could need the Unioners, it's just that I believe the diplomacy of the faction cannot remain static with the current circumstances.
I'd also love to see an opportunity to clash with the Xenos, I very much hope the hardship programme yields a result of activity for the faction. Then again, if I was the Xeno leader, I'd mostly play the faction in New York and Cali, seeing how it's almost guaranteed to get an interaction there, whereas Hudson and Bering are abandoned.