I am sorry that there has been no response until this point, but most of the team are busily working away at the moment. I will try to answer this question, but please bear in mind my lack of technical knowledge.

Unfortunately, due to my aforementioned lack of understanding, I cannot detail specifics. Nor indeed, is the exact system finalised, so I cannot even present a 'this is what happens' scenario. On the other hand, I know that we are aiming to highlight the importance of internal conflict to the political dynamic of this period.

As regards specfic points raised, a repository of ancillaries, to my understanding, would not be possible because of the way the system works. Lowering loyalty for those generals away for the capital/court is an interesting idea, which might have some potential. Scripts to force larger rebellions triggered by smaller ones are also a possibility, though we have to weigh the length of any potential script against its value.

Certainly, the Romani will eventually have a dynamic system of internal conflict, eventually. My own understanding of this issue is that optimates and populares are convenient labels for individual's political views. 'Factiones', though I have some issues with the terminology, certainly formed, but as to their size and stability, that is open to question. My personal preference would be to avoid simple dichotomies, but it is dependent on the overall complexity of doing so.