I'd think many people would love to be able to play there favourite minor as a major.

So why not add them to custom factions? There would be a few compromises like having to use one of the existing major ships and story but the faction logo and major pop would be of that minor.

That way people can roleplay any minor faction they want.

+1

Yea, some more variety would be cool, always. Some modder really should get on it. I'd rather have the dev team resources spent in another way though. But what do I know about these things, if its done quickly without much cost or time, sure, great.

I made an idea that basically says this exact thing, cuz I, for one, would like to play as a number of the minor factions 

probably won't happen because the main quests are tied into the portraits, but it would be nice to have.

+1