Here is how I see it. If you want deathmatch, go on a deathmatch server. If you want some sort of a roleplay environment with organisation and structure, join this mod's servers. To what authority does the mod designer have if he does not control every server?
Because of the general freedom neutrals and especially bandits are given, most people choose them. Then sometimes they think they are above the server rules because of it. Well if im so restricted by joining a colored faction where barely anyone is in, why do it?
There HAS to be a rule about attacking unarmed people, because then its no different from wall hacking in fps games. They have no chance. How is that fun for them? Oh wait...you dont care do you... Well if by some odd chance you have friends, they are probably just as f***ed in the head as you. I was talking to the griefers by the way...
As for attacking anyone as long as they are armed? Sure, why not. Makes it more realistic. HOWEVER, it would be great if there were a faction or even the neutrals who were dedicated to "fighting the lawless". But this doesnt happen, because they are too busy joining in.
Safe zones are a great idea. It allows fairness (a term you griefers dont seem to understand) so other people at least have a chance. Ive been camped at the town armory before and its not fun when I get pummeled with arrows the second I start to buy something. The mine should be open however. Yes, it can be frustrating when you die right as you are about to collect that 5000 bar, but thats what teammates are for. Use them and if someone on your team needs your help, do it. Dont join a team if you arent going to act as part of one.
Bandits should be able to do whatever (as long as its not attacking unarmed people), but suffer consequences by those with a sense of justice. Neutrals, being neutral, should not just randomly be attacking people (with the exception of bandits). They arent neutral then. If you want to randomly attack people, be a bandit. Those in a colored faction should STAY WITH THEIR FACTION UNLESS ORDERED OTHERWISE! Seriously, when I was "king" of my faction, I couldnt keep track of people because they were all over the place. How can I coordinate a raid on, say green castle, if half my team is running around? Dont want to follow orders? Join the neutrals. Dont want to follow orders but still want to randomly attack people? Join bandits. Now about neutrals being mercenaries. I think this is fine. They are still neutral, since they dont have any allegiance but are allowed to at least help people.
Am I whining? Nope. The phrase "stop whining!" is getting very old and is annoying. Not every complaint is whining. I want the game to be fun for all good natured people and if people are going to be immature about my valid complaints, screw them. I dont give a crap what people think of me when I complain that someone killed me in a safe zone or I loose all my cash when I die. I will stand up for what I believe in and as I get older, I learn more and more of what it means to do just that. I consider anyone who dismisses my suggestions as absolute crap and accuses me of whining as a griefer and quite possiblly still in middle school...or probably should be.