I think it would be nice if all faction-specific ships would have at least a bit better stats than standard models. In most cases it is so afaik, like with TPG Atlases, but for example BioCom Vulture is just an MkIV Vulture with 2 cu less cargo. If it had at least 100 kg less weight or a few hundred more armour, it'd be much more worth to raise BioCom standing.

The above is just an example - in general I think it would be a good idea for all faction-specific ships to be better than standard models, if only by a little - this way these ships would make a good reward for having a high standing with a faction.

well. The Orion Rev. C centurion rocks...
Corvus maud is an excellent and different ship
All know the BioCom ship sucks, but thats that.

Axia bus? mmm.. quite nice.

There was an almost usable hornet there somewhere too.

orion, hornet convoy gaurdian.

almost usable. almost. a small (+5) boost to thrust would do it i think.

Mining Maud
and please, no faction stating, some people don't know a few of those ships