Ok heres a draft of how I see it. I would like to know if you agree in principle to what I say.
Clans
When trying to “pigeon hole” clans to fit a philosophy, it seems to me that you must be able to embrace clans who have the right philosophy and ideals of the server and community regardless of their numbers. Therefore, player numbers (clan members) shouldn’t play a big role in deciding if a clan is treated differently. I think and believe that it’s a mindset and an ongoing enthusiasm that drives a clan to be more than a “casual” coming together of players.
In trying to make a guideline document I have taken one clan which I think fits each category and built the framework around that. I am now of the opinion that with the addition of clan bases, it is right to set out what I believe clans should achieve before time is wasted with mod development.
I’m therefore of the opinion that Professional clans should warrant a clan base, ships, etc. and that the other clans who are unable or unwilling to put the time into making (broadly speaking) the guidelines below, should not.
After a lot of thought, I also believe that the clans who are classed as “Professional” will help in passing their opinion on those “Aspiring Clans” to the Admins. Final decision will rest with me and I will take the view based on what I believe is best for the server. I will reiterate that the server will not be run by clans, however, I think that they can have some valuable input.
Any “Professional” or “Aspiring” clans who have players caught and banned for cheating – either in clan tags or not, will risk losing their status. Casual clans will not be accepted as “Aspiring”. It is the clans responsibility in their hiring, training and mentoring to ensure they do not have cheaters.
There are two clan groups
1. Serious Clan
2. Casual Clan
Serious Clan
This can best be described as a group of players who agree to and abide by a structured code of conduct within the clan. A serious clan can be further broken down to Professional and Aspiring.
Professional Clan
Has a clan leader, have clan hierarchy, structure and chain of command published, has ongoing diplomacy discussions with other clans and publishes the clan diplomacy. Clan has a background/history. Clan members are all well vetted before being tagged or have probation periods. Clan has an active involvement with the server website and participates regularly on the server forums. Clan is able to deliver either Role Play posts and/or regular news items to the void regarding their clan. Clan undertakes operations on server as a clan. Clan has its own web/forum/site. Clan supports and participates in (and/or) RP, Events, Clan Wars and other structured game play on the server. Has a minimum of 100 hours combined of play time on the server with the clan members. Clan conducts itself in a manner that enhances the game play, enjoyment and fun for other players in their actions as a clan. Is recognised by other Professional Clans as being equally committed to the success of the community and server. Actively bans players from the clan who are cheaters.
Aspiring Clan
Has a clan leader, have clan hierarchy, structure and chain of command published, has ongoing diplomacy discussions with other clans and publishes the clan diplomacy. Clan has a background/history. Clan members are all well vetted before being tagged or have probation periods. Clan has an active involvement with the server website and participates regularly on the server forums. Clan is able to deliver either Role Play posts and/or regular news items to the void regarding their clan. Clan undertakes operations on server as a clan. Clan supports and participates in (and/or) RP, Events, Clan Wars and other structured game play on the server. Has a minimum of 5 players. Has a goal to become a professional clan on the server. Actively bans players from the clan who are cheaters.
Casual Clan
This is a group of players who have decided to play together under the same tag. This clan has no real structure or does not include the minimum for an aspiring clan. A casual clan is for all intents and purpose either a start up with no real binding or reason; or a first step for players who are thinking about trying to get a clan going on the server. A casual clan does not need to be recognised by Aspiring or Professional clans. Casual clans enable the members to play together with no need for any of the requirements of the above, and therefore does not benefit from anything from the server.
To be honest I feel that the minimum of 5 and 100hrs server time is enough to warrant a recognition, but not necessarily a clan forum site. If they can keep it up for a set time peroid (still to be agreed - say Four Months) and are heading towards becoming an "aspiring" clans and at Strails discretion then a clan area should be allocated. Casual clans come and go and should not be given any special considerations. We have some new folks turning up, one of which is noteably the YMER clan - formerly established on other servers and now visiting with us. We also have our very own in the form of Syndicate, BBB and Eclipse as well established clans. Others, regardless of size are still "aspiring" - including -=REAVERS=- Running a clan is not easy - I know this from first hand experience and I have witnessed organisations grow from a seed to something very sucessful - eg. AoF ( I know it was mine..sigh - but it was in other hands that the idea flourished) 
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