It's supposed to be hard to become neutral with everyone. If no one attacks you at all on a trade run, what stops you from gaining infinite wealth at zero risk?

Completing missions for a faction will increase your reputation with them. Also, you can kill enemies of that faction on sight. If you're not willing to do this for the faction, they don't owe you any equipment

I know, it just seems that even though there are frieghters and you have the choice of doing that as a career, everything is so combat oriented. I just think that in the same way you build factions fighting you should be able to do the same kind of favor but not combat oriented. Like say, running a special errand for a faction. Or actually helping them run the cargo that they desire to some specifed place.

I don't know, it just limits me that I am forced to fight with a ship that was not made to go into a combat situation. Maybe DA will hear my plee and patch in some "frieghter" oriented jobs on the Job Boards at bases. I can dream, can't I?

Recruit a fighter player, do what someone near me does. He plays online with a friend who runs protection for him and those missions that require Friendlier terms before you can buy.

Wow, that is an excellent idea. =) I don't know why I didn't think of that. Thank you much. *G*