Good to see new faces among the RM ranks too. I've seen lately very good turn-outs on your part in space.
It's funny to see the new RM guys always being in such a haste to take on my [RHA]Johannes.Farb or [RHA]Red.Autumn. The older RM knows that I'm (nor most of our older players are) not going anywhere if I (we) have decided to let you in the engagement distance. Let the RP play out.
So you new fellas no need to yell "Engaging" the second you see RHA pilot(s) and charge ahead. I know you are eager to get your first scalp of some supposedly ace RHA pilot on your belt but I promise you that if you fly regularly with your RM you'll get enough combat and start to appreciate the unique RP that Rheinland has to offer. You'll find out soon enough who you should engage with caution and who you can confidently pick on (if you want to find out the names easy way go and check the RHA dump). But most importantly enjoy the opportunity to RP. We try to provide good RP for us all to enjoy.
Like Kambei said we try to let RP play out first until we engage. Sometimes it's just not possible but mostly that's what we aim at.
And I'd like to also address the concerns Balthazzar (and possibly others) are having. The RP is gearing towards the Rheinland - Libertonian conflict and we all, Rheinland military and Hessians, are learning the ropes how to deal with the "new" relations with each other. I have to say it feels hard and a bit awkward sometimes. But we all are learning new RP and working on making it more plausible and believable.
So RM is not condoning RHA's pirating in Berlin. It must feel like it when you just pop in with your trader from Sigma and see RM staying in Berlin orbit and a group of RHA milking you. Many times Blodo or me or some other more senior guy conducting the operation has called off the pirating (even if the scanner is full of traders) if we start to get a feeling like that. Meaning that relations are getting too cozy with the RM.
Slowly but surely this new relations thing will evolve but it's not fast moving. Controlling, guiding and finding a workable RP and in-game behavior to reflect the changed situation for 30+ guys operating in Hessians and Military is taking it's time.
But by all means you all, please write the gripes to faction feedback and possibly PM head honchos in RM and RHA if you see problems.