Interesting how there is a cloud around the future of Astromancy and low and behold the Aristocracy is available as a potential alternative. Coincidence? Divine Providence? You decide 
Not the way we intend to do it. And ya, you are right, but now this is the new and improved nobility; a nobility above nobility = aristocracy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpCsOnJS0p4
Besides, a player can leave a duchy freely and for no reason with no RP backlash IG. It will not be so with the Great Houses of the aristocracy.
