(from Eiji) Ok, here are some ideas to get things moving.. I think I like Dave's idea of having some overlap between the distinctions of what is a player group (mainly in the amount of members each kind of association can have...).

I also like the "Shell Communication" idea from FF-11, which could give players a lot more flexability in forming associations. (for example, a well-off Tribe would have a link to a "liason" in a shop if they cant field crafters of their own)

Allowing more than one kind would give some depth to the game as well... I know how military units can have more than one "division"... such as a Tribe has a "frontline" division, an "arena" division, and a "Shop" division..

topping this off a bit.... I think that there should be some overlap between Player Associations. Exactly HOW much overlap I'm not sure at this time... I figure if we could get some idea as to how big a group can be, then we could tweak this page a bit as well...

Unit (4-12 players)

This is the smallest of Player Associations.. I belive this would be an ideal Player Association for Bounty Hunters or Mercenaries.

Tribe (10-30 players)

somewhat larger than a unit, this is a more serious player association, with an actual ranking system (something missing in Units, since the only ranks in that are "member" and "leader")

Clan (28-35+ players)

Here is where we start finding a association similar to "guilds" in other games. there should be a variety of "leadership" methods (such as single leader, leader council, or "parliment" - which might require some sort of voting system).

"Shop"

a shop is a group of crafters that have differing skills that can be used together to make gear, suits, vehicles, or structure components for buildings. Even though they can be within another player association such as a Clan or well-off Tribe, they are also capable of existing as an independent entity (and can, thus, trade or interact with those who have compatable faction).