I have been of the opinion that it'd be nice if the Squadron could influence the behaviour of their minor factions a little bit, mainly suggesting the direction when the faction is expanding, but interface changes for that are unlikely to happen. However, perhaps the fleet carriers could also be used as a carrot for expansion direction. In return, the fleet carriers coul benefit from the presence of the MF by some small way.
Expansion lure:
If there are many equally viable systems for the MF to expand to and the Fleet Carrier is in one of them, it will expand to that system.
MF presence discount:
If the Fleet Carrier is in a system that has a station controlled by the Squadron's MF, it gets a small discount to all operation and maintenance costs. Let's say 5% for argument's sake. If the MF controls the entire system, the discount is larger, let's say 10% for now. The implication is that the faction covers part of the costs.
Expansion lure:
If there are many equally viable systems for the MF to expand to and the Fleet Carrier is in one of them, it will expand to that system.
MF presence discount:
If the Fleet Carrier is in a system that has a station controlled by the Squadron's MF, it gets a small discount to all operation and maintenance costs. Let's say 5% for argument's sake. If the MF controls the entire system, the discount is larger, let's say 10% for now. The implication is that the faction covers part of the costs.