I mostly agree with that sentiment when it comes to that sort of thing. Generally, mercenary companies and such negatively impact the server and are a facet of that OOC NLing issue they tried to crack down on some months ago. Ostensibly they try to be LOTC’s OOC praetorian, and as such habitually flip flop sides. Even if it’s slightly accurate to how real mercenary companies worked I would at least prefer some system that enforces loyalty or neutrality. Ie a mercenary company must wait x amount of conflicts before fighting someone who was previously an ally(unless betrayed or whatever).
That or you just completely wipe out the system and get rid of mercenaries, whichever.
My only disagreement is that the staff who were present wholly contradicted the current wording of the rules. Violation of rules in spirit, is of course something to consider, but I think that argument has been forfeited when that raid leader asked clarifying questions (several hours in advance) about said rules/planned raid, indicating, whether you disagree with them or not, they were conducted in good faith. As for rules going forward, I agree that they should be amended to discourage OOC entities like mercenaries, after this situation is resolved. I think it’s a bandaid solution and warhawks are still gonna find ways to warhawk(IE members of the rally could have just as easily been peasant larpers, any rules will always be stopgaps), but you’ve gotta try to fix things, right?
edit:clarifying questions were asked in advance