I think this suggestion would fit rightfuckly in a diplomatic overhaul of the game.
Like, you could put factions in war/hostile/neutral/friendly/allied status, with their relative access to your information, like gear loom status? Would link back to MURDERTRON's pragmatism, since he could then dont give access to anyone but his allied people. Others could give access to all in a kind of "sharing" atmosphere, like when a faction decides his fiefs are free trade and some dont.
Much could be made to make strat cooler.