Well, I made my vital attempt to solve the problems. If you guys have some other suggestions, don't be scared to suggest them! I personally can't see any other way to solve the problems that are arising, but then again, maybe I have some kind of solution writers block, who knows.
I know this suggestion is a bit unpopular with some (or at least one) of our die hard cap pilots. I'll put it out there again to see any other reactions.
We could restrict the way cap ships are used. Some rough suggestions are to limit how caps can be used offensively, i.e. offensive maneuvers may only take place as part of an event (not that one side has to tell the other they are bringing a cap but they can only be used in a RP event). Otherwise, caps may be used as defensive units at the pilot's discretion, i.e. attacks on the homeworld or as part of a high profile security detail.
I too contemplated the idea of server police, but again that seems like it would add too much bureaucracy to the whole shebang.
On the idea of factions controlling capital ships, I could see it working. I like the idea of the xml system, but I would enable faction leaders to give the keys to independants who they deemed fit. For any captains who felt their RP was "special", there is always the special RP requests.
I like this idea because it would likely lead to an increasing membership in factions. Factions are easier to RP with because you know where they stand, and quite frankly I can't be bothered to read -every- independant character's long and twisted tale. So having a greater rate of factionalised people enables better RP. I'm not asking to do away with indies, just to have more faction people.
Sorry if I came off annoyed or abrasive in my post, lacked time to respond properly unfortunately >.<
Anyway, I personally think Capital ships are well..quite good the way they are. I mean, bombers can trample over them. If the balance in that was changed then maybe more restrictions on capitals would be needed but right now I see no need for it.
To respond to Mwerte, though I think n00bl3t got to it first really, I refer to the other uses of certain ships.
I flew an Osiris back in 4.84 as a purely research vessel not under the command of Black Squadron and later High Command (For more personal reasons that one though).
Having to be in a faction to be able to do things effectively allows those above you in the faction to control your roleplay. They can say no to what you do and don't do, even if it's perfectly fine.
In the end up, forcing people into factions to gain capital ships means their roleplay is what the faction wants it to be, even though their own ideas might be far better.
I don't want to surrender control over my roleplay to anyone.
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