As miniatures gamers, I think we tend to identify and stick with one team or faction. We have Guild players, Neverborn players, etc; even diehards who own multiple crews will, I think, primarily identify with one force over another--I know I did when I started.
However, I've lately been pondering the merits of pan-factionism, i.e. playing everything. Since in Malifaux, we generate terrain, mission, and schemes first, and only then do we build crews, being unpredictable with one's list could (in addition to being fun) it could net you an advantage.
Guild players can't optimize against Arcanists if they don't know that you'll be fielding Ramos. Marcus can't optimize against a beast list if he's not sure you're taking beasts, etc.
Has anyone else tried this, or am I the only one stupid/crazy enough to consider it?
I've branched out into a 2nd faction last weekend, and hope to add a crew per month until I get something from every faction.