[quote=Zero Hex]
Taking away mech customization unless the character is a leader of a faction is a pretty bad move IMO, especially considering roleplays rarely last long enough for any kind of reasonable progression to happen. Not to mention the genre allows for plenty of people with customized machines without necessarily being leaders of a faction.
[/quote]

You're also misunderstanding.

Look at some of the existing bios. You're allowed to have mechs that are customized versions of existing mechs, you just don't get to have an entire chassis from scratch for your character. And given that there are already 5 frames that range the spectrum from super light to super heavy, you can make an "Ace Custom" of any of those, modify the frame a bit, change the loadout, and bam, you've got what you want.

[quote=zeke_]
Can I not be in a faction, like as an independent agent?
[/quote]

If you want to be independent, there are the Ravens. No official organization. As long as you have a Kensai that you provided for yourself and wasn't given to you by a Lord, you're a completely free agent who goes wherever you choose.