In the server and setting cfg, there\'s an option:
USE_STARMADE_AUTHENTICATION = false //allow star-made.org authentication
It is default at false. In order to prevent that imitation, not only does the user need to have authenticated to protect their name, but apparently the server has to have that option set to true so the server will actually bother to check and stop impersonation of authenticated persons.
Beneath that option on both files is:
REQUIRE_STARMADE_AUTHENTICATION = false //require star-made.org authentication (USE_STARMADE_AUTHENTICATION must be true)
If that is true, then everyone who wants to play must be uplinked, no exceptions. False here with the USE at true means uplinked/authenticated names are secure from impersonation, while those who have not are fair game.