This entire want for a civ gunship model is fueled by the fact the Zoners don't let mercs use Conferences anymore!
Simple solution, give 'em back to us.
The simple solution isn't always the best.
Though a solution that is a tad more complicated than what you suggest would do fine.
Use the old Zoner gunboat model as a commercial gunboat for private military companies not aligned with other factions (aka civilian, though people read to much into the word civilian.)
