Yesterday we were flipping through the majority of combat zones and nothing we saw explains the massive change. I suspect you have a lot of people in solo and private.
If you want to win this down the road, here is what you need to do.
(1) Private group hit squads
Form up in groups of three and play private mode, focusing on NPC's. That's how the game is won, not by managing commanders, or keeping one eye out for them. In HR 7327, in much less time, I would gun for 100 NPC's a day. We aren't getting close to that here even though we have more playtime.
If you go to private it is much easier to concentrate on the task at hand. I don't like 'private' but the game is what it is... Not only are you outnumbered, but you are handicapping yourself by not doing that. Moreover, even newer members can be effective in groups of three in private group. Each group should go for total kills of 100 - 300 npcs combined depending on their play time.
(2) The Spear of Light hit squad.
This wing of four needs to rove between the combat zones looking for fed players. All four need to be in Fer De Lances, they hit hard and can't be outrun. If a player gets away, they still have the combat bonds with them. Four FdL's would hit hard enough and run fast enough to ensure a kill. It only commits four players to this cause and should be enough to harass hundreds of players while committing minimum forces (4 players).
Also this group could become famous enough that fed players would "fear the spear of light". Great for propoganda, record it make vids, etc.
(3) The Lugh System Alliance
Get other Fed systems nearby to rebel at the same time. These systems would come to our aid in the rebellion by literally distracting hundreds of fed commanders.
These are all from my observations yesterday, and it fits your lore and roleplay. You have my contact info if you want to discuss this more. I can get a win for you, but the current setup doesn't cut it, and it may be too late to change this time around. But there is always next time.
