"Elite factions"

[Rodent]

Restricted factions usually have some fancy stuff and fancy privileges (I dont think being able to shoot everybody is a privilege, because it goes both ways, but still). In the hands of the average discovery player they'll cause pains.

You can usually keep a knife without too many problems, but a gun requires registration.

And again, most of the restricted factions are unique in terms of roleplay experiences, and even though it's all free here, I'd say it's their intellectual property. Most of the factions are Digital Anvil's intellectual property, but this all was created by players. A restriction or two for these two reasons is perfectly fine, imho.