Restricting things is one method of giving factions an advantage but as Infrared mentioned, it could also have severe consequences that may ultimately be self-defeating.
Ideally we want to make factions a desirable option rather than a requirement, something that is attractive to players both new and old but doesn't diminish the fun of others to do so. That can mean anything from how official factions are formed/monitored, to an overhaul of the faction system itself or even smaller changes such as the previously mentioned expanded ZoI's or custom ships.