On another site that I participated, we required that every faction have a specific number of 'default' members in order to be allowed to continue. Simply put, every 'writer' could default a single faction, though they could be part of a number of factions. We did IP checks and the whole shibang on alts, and this allowed for the removal of more stagnant groups or ones that were a 'flash in the pan.' Example. I have 5 character, but I default Rev to One Sith. My other four characters cannot default to any faction and thus, cannot count towards the necessary numbers required every month to maintain staying as a faction.
Invasion wise, we organized much differently, but simply put: The longer that you didn't actively write on a planet, the more diminished your presence became. For instance, if your faction controlled a planet but hadn't done meaningful writing on that planet in over 2 months, another faction could effectively train roll that planet and take it because...well, what's the point in you controlling that planet if you aren't going to write on it. In a fashion, that ties planets to the user base and what the members are actually willing to write towards. Did this cause "popcorn" stories to maintain control? Sure, but planets still fall through the cracks and then, suddenly, those smaller factions find low hanging fruits to pluck. It could be done here, but it would require a bit more work (surprise checks on factions, give them five days to report a significant rp for each planet they control, note the date, go from there. I could be more specific about the process, but I'm not sure it's necessary). If stagnation is the issue, it can be rectified without pressing the wipe button.
But the question is this: Should the map wipe be done? I don't think I have the answer and I think there are pros and cons to both sides. But to just wipe the board, we are saying this: We value peoples spontaneous writing over their IC accomplishments and faction organization. Whether that's the intent or not, it doesn't really matter. Those things are being swept aside in order for rejuvenation of writing. And what that says to me is that when push comes to shove, and stagnation occurs, the map is the first thing that falls in the cross-hairs. Now, full disclosure, when I read that a map wipe had potential to occur, my gut response was high fives all around. Awesomesauce! But the more I think about it, the more I realize that people enjoy this sort of writing for different aspects of it. I like dueling, I like epic gruesome story telling, and I love development. Some people like companies. Some people like fleets. Some people love the codex, some people love the factory. And some people love to develop their factions. I would as quickly remove everyone's accomplishments as I would take away my dueling. Both of which, I think, are very important to this board in their own way.
Sure, we should care about the people who stay after the wipe...instead of those who leave. But as much as that is important, so is the notion of precedence. You want dominions, you want more wars, you want more change and movements? Well, the looming threat of a map wipe is hardly the sort of motivation that's gonna cause that. People are going to see that and think...well, what's the point? I'll just stick to private role playing now, go do some duels, keep out of factions. After all, whats the point...because the moment that OTHER factions start to gobble up territories and stagnate; my planets, my accomplishments, will be tossed away to balance things. Once again, not saying that this will occur for everyone, but it will occur nonetheless.
Just rambling and thoughts. I think a re-alignment makes more sense. But if it comes to it, make it a galactic event and let the user base fight against it. If we truly are so hung up against this idea of a map wipe, let us fight it IC (whatever force that is causing it). That sort of prospect excites me more than just a simple map wipe (though truth be told, seeing as though you have yet to even discuss this with the staff formally, this could very well be something you've considered. Or not...that's fine too).