i want to propose an in game rule set to make factions actually matter. specific reasonable numbers need to be discussed:

1. trading with enemy players should result in a severe symp loss with your own and any allied faction,
2. imping enemy players should result in a severe symp loss with your own and any allied faction

to make sure you don't do this accidentally we need some sort of popup window with a yes/no question that can be optionally turned off.

for that to work we need two tables in the database that state the faction and a faction datetime of an item, so people can't just throw stuff on the floor or put it in containers to trade. the faction entry should be cleared after a certain time on the floor or when dropped from a belt. a new faction should be set when picked up/traded by a player with a different faction again based on a timer depending on faction/hostility.

i'm aware that this will not stop trading and it shouldn't but that's not the point. it should hinder friendly relations between rival factions.