Have you ever been in a situation when an ally takes ur things, surrounded you, and Smothers you?
well as you know you can't attack allies, but without factions you can declare war on people that get in your way, and make allies with people you need to cover your back.
This will create an ever changing world, allies fighting enemies, huge conflicts on a world scale...
or you can choose the diplomatic solution, make deals, meetings ETC where foreign relations become an importance.
this gameplay would be extremely good with the removal of 15 day timer (checking out that poll would be greatly appreciated, it's also in the suggestions page)