I have been reading up on the lore and not quite sure understand why there are so many mercenary companies. Is it to expensive to maintain a standing army? Considered more cheap to just hire some gunslingers to take care of your problems instead of having your own military forces to deal with pirate troubles? In game there are a event where are on a bar and some locals recognize you. You take them with you to a meeting with pirates. Had me thinking I for sure would not consider any mercenaries reliable to be trusted when they are willing to hire their services to pirates.