I know everyone is opposed to the "merc" idea, but would it be against the rules to do that without payment, just to do it for extra points? Kinda of like a mercenary, but payed only in what the players find while attacking or is that against the rules?

Urm... that's basically what we all do.

I thought mercenaries were against the rules though? and I mean actually helping one alliance over another instead of raiding random players in your system or galaxy without expecting pay.