I've been dabbling in power play for the past few weeks, currently pledged to my first power Zachary. I've not been especially gung-ho but I have been maintaining rank 2 for the bounty income. However, reading more about it and the decay rate of merits I am wondering if it is really worth it.
From what I can tell basically in order to achieve/maintain a rank each week you have to earn twice as many merits as your goal rank. While the bonuses and benefits are icing on the cake I'm just wondering if there is something I've missed. Being pledged to a power I'm a target of other power's NPCs, there are "hostile" systems if I stray into another power's territory, and as mentioned you must constantly earn merits.
I don't mind the extra challenge of fighting enemy power's NPCs from time to time but since I lean towards being an explorer/trader the hostile systems tend to be a nuisance.
I'm considering reverting to an non-pledged status. I think this would add to my freedom as an explorer/trader and of course it won't affect my faction levels. Although I'm currently allied to the Federation not being pledged to a power should make travel to other power's areas less dangerous right?
Anyone have any advice for or against this? I'm looking to convince myself one way or another and would appreciate input in case I'm overlooking something.