It is getting a little ridiculous if ASOIAF/GoT should serve as the reference series for what is SMA and what is not. I liked how the explanation of SMA was referenced as "Look at Game of Thrones, it's set in a medieval setting, that's what SMA is about". However the argument of whether or not mercenaries are SMA is pointless regardless of them being in GoT or not. It serves just as an example, not as the example. That being said, I think the re-found definition I now have of SMA allows for many more ideas to actually be okay.
Ironically for Ironsides I had long been considering doing something similar in Luria Nova, and I may still go ahead with it. At first I was aiming for some sort of political parties but now I'm considering some form of a League of Lords, you know, to unite lords so they can defend their feudal rights and demand more privileges.
