Here is my 2 cents on this matter..
First of all, I am not sure what it takes for a game to become a sandbox.
When you launch this game you get the option to select a nation or a pirate faction. In my eyes you get the choice of picking a large faction or a "do as you like" pirate approach to the game.
I chose the Danish nation to be part of something and fight for common interests. Why would I make this choice if I just wanted to do my own thing entirely and piss on everyone who tried to cooperate and coordinate ? Wouldn't the pirate faction be a more sound choice for me then? It is not like you are locked-in if you chose a nation, since the game offer you an option for switching to the pirate faction, also, If you are part of a nation and you don't agree upon whatever the "leadership" decides, then rally allies and gain enough power and support to turn the nation into whatever direction you see fit. Claim and rule/control rather than trying to sabotage it for the rest of your "team". If you don't succeed in claiming power, then make the switch, it is that simple.
So, to address the current issue, RNoN should simply switch to the pirate faction, since they are not interested fighting for the common good of their nation.
Stauning, Captain of the "Social democrat"