well, Akanese should have standing that permits them to operate in Itani territory... the Itani aren't going to sic SFs on them obviously... they kinda just operate DAD-T, letting the akanese have free reign, but not defending them either.

Akanese should have their own subfaction, yes, but it shouldn't be mutually-exlusive with Itani faction, especially since the Akanese don't have (and shouldn't have) any of their own stations or ports.

Better to just have the Friendly Fire restrictions removed for everyone than base it on faction.

I'm with Aequitas' Talon on this. I've already hit the situation where an Itani player was damaging a friendly UIT, and I couldn't do anything about it to help out (besides ramming). Friendly Fire restrictions needs to be removed. :S