I like this idea. I think to keep the boredom from setting in too early, you could perhaps offer some sort of low level powers to those that choose to align themselves with a faction. Nothing too powerful, and more likely utility in nature. Something like allowing Trib apps to be able to distinguish between yells and yelling wildly, Nexuns being able to feel balance shifts, Battle retaining what they have, Imperials could be able to have a scout channel or something (possibly with a timer on it), Outties being able to distinguish between things that are home in the wilds, Forties being able to detect evil, etc.

I'd also like to see some sort of quest based progression, so that if you don't really have times that match up to leaders, it would show your dedication to their cause. Perhaps have a handful of tasks that one must complete (random like the happy boots perhaps, but meeting certain level requirements) and once you have them completed then perhaps your title changes from apprentice or whatever to dedicant or something along those lines. Perhaps something like going from an Oath to a Citizen in the Empire. This would then allow leaders and imms to see who is ready to make the next step and would alleviate some of the tells leaders tend to receive.

Just my humble two cents.