Frontier Forums

This question probably shows incredible ignorance but I freely admit being utterly clueless about the politics of the ED universe...

In a nutshell, what are the tangible benefits of choosing to pledge my allegiance to one PP faction or another?

I've read stuff about the negative consequences of PP allegiance but I don't think I've ever seen anything explaining what the benefits are.

I'm interested in participating in as much of the stuff ED has to offer as possible but I don't want to sign up for something that might, effectively, make my life harder in 66% of the bubble unless there are also good reasons to do it as well. :S