... How does the NFD get all the players?
This is my observation.
A build server, and advertising a faction as a build server is considerably more attractive than advertising a faction as well, a faction. People want to build without issues, and socialize and a build server is an appropriate place to do so. Thus, it is natural NFD will recieve more members, and much greater diversity in their member regardless of faction record simply because they can openly say "We promote creativity by sharing our build server".
Of course, I do question whether the faction have any military presense in any other server, but as a recruitment drive, it is considerably more catchy than others (Including Vaygr and CR), as the "Odium Pact" 's reputation of destroying things efficiently (And in style :p) is known to the more experienced members of the starmade community.
If you are to ask a 1 post member who are the Vaygr, they will shake their heads. If you ask them who are NFD, they will respond, the build server. Simply a good placement for their faction. It also provides them with a "back up" in case of humiliating incidents.
For example, a faction like CR, Vaygr, TE, is based on their ability to win battles, etc. NFD, can base itself simply based on "creativity" rather than military might. By opening more than one channel to demonstrate power, it is a good setup.
Obviously not flawless, but it provides some distinct advantages and disadvantages.
Prime example for publicity, this post is the first post in this page by a newer member:
thanks! happy to be on the server!
Though this setup does come with it's disadvantages, for example, in a conflict on a different server, they easily placed themselves in the situation where few people participate in PvP activity despite having such a large faction. (Case study: Rebel Alliance, star war faction with private, white-listed server whom did not come out to fight). That will be disappointing for some whom favor conflict, but appeal to the peace loving crowd.
Ofc, NFD appeals to a larger group of people, this is definitely undeniable.
:D
My penny :p
However, I do want to say this as a caveat to future participants of NFD build server in a dual faction role.
Your faction ships, etc, once posted on NFD server is solely based on the honor of the owner to keep confidential, and a conflict of interest may occur in case of war or other hostile incidents. This is by no means an accusation, but I would like to state this to help avoid any regret, angst, butthurt and eventual rage over failure to safeguard faction assets (blueprints)