Cliques happen in almost any social hierarchy. It sucks, but most human behavior tends toward easy 'suck' approaches. That doesn't mean the game is ruined, or that new players can't find fun....just the old cliques need to be ousted.
The best that can happen is the 'old guard' approach new players to expand their ranks....or for several dissidents organize and remove the old guard. Creation of new realms, rebellions, and inclusive 'council' message groups for specific purposes can keep new players engaged beyond the order drone mentality....but it does require effort from those with the tools.
So far, BM has enough mechanics to balance this (assuming people unite with similar ideas). It is just a matter of those new folk who are dissatisfied being included into the hodge-podge that are some realms....or being approached by older (mentor) dissidents for regime change.
A few extra tools would help people organize...but it still falls victim to human lazyness/nepotism/greed. Overcoming human nature is a big task....but I do like to see a discussion on it (for the betterment of BM).
