We don't currently have any plans for any kind of standings for DUST mercenaries participating in FW. As it stands we would rather see DUST players playing for the side they want to, and more importantly the side that will pay more.

Lolwut? This kind of thing would completely defeat the purpose of the whole immortal mercenary backstory of Dust. Especially if you include faction specific/better equipment as a result. People would be forced to pick a side to remain competitive, effectively eliminating the need for true mercenaries. I'm not sure how Eve works but I've seen hints that each faction has their own "philosophy" and play style that will affect their specific equipment. You can ally with a faction without expecting CCP to reward you. Just require that everyone in your corp use faction specific equipment and only take contracts from that faction. There, you are effectively allied with that faction.

It would pay off in its own way. The major flaw in the merc business is the lack of loyalty. Sure you can hire this corp to help even the odds against someone who is richer or better equipped, but that richer opponent can just buy off those mercenaries to back stab you. However, a patriotic flag waving corp can be trusted not to be bought out by your opponent from another group. They may be at a disadvantage since they're committed to one type of equipment, but at least they will be loyal. Trustworthiness will be just as important as quality when it comes to hiring a corp, so making yourself loyal to a specific customer base will pay in your favor.

As someone else points out, I was asleep.

That is a really interesting connection you have made there.... not sure how I feel about it. Does it also mean I am done Fanfest preparation or that I was just resting before digging into it?