For my entire Strategus experience, I have seen only too much, or too little. There are massive armies that could crush me and my entire clan in a single swoop, and there are single man armies that aimlessly infest the land with no real purpose or ambition.
Today I saw something different. I saw an 81 man army that was not unarmed and that carried something of value. I saw a faction that was not holding hands with half of the world. These were not peasants, they were soldiers. They were not poor, they were merchants. Today I was given the opportunity to play Strategus. I do not see the dishonor in this.
Tomorrow I hope to gain experience as a commander for the first time. Tomorrow the lotus blooms in a strong red.
I would suggest if you want protection, not to be under your own faction. Many factions/clans are against banditry, but it can not be called banditry when you carry your own banner in arms. You really have no business claiming to be a faction if you mean to just deny all that it means to be a faction at the first sign of danger.
I must admit I was surprised to apprehend 81 armed troops carrying the banner of DUSK only to find that they refuse any military responsibility and would rather attempt to convince me that I am dishonorable for ever engaging such helpless peasants.