I think it's healthy for clans new to strat to start out closely allied with more experienced ones like HG did. There is a lot of shit to figure out in terms of setting up logistics chains, trading, various obscure and poorly documented mechanics, diplomacy can be an issue for some clans, hell even basic communication between officers and members can be an issue that needs to be sorted out.
Much less frustrating to work closely with a more experienced group and integrate into their already existing operations and figure it out that way then learn it all from scratch on your own. Shares the admin workload too so it's less frustration heaped onto certain key people.