To clarify though, I don't mean you should go all grimdark super evil in Fed RP, but what I did notice was that it did tend to go:
I'm Gallente, I love peace, democracy, liberty and FREEDOM!
Then you'd ask, and then?
And get, no and then, in response.
That really doesn't just apply to the Fed but really to a lot of RP groups I've seen over the years. Time is spent trying to have detailed characters, but detailed corporations with clear IC goals, objectives, political philosophies, and purpose that's enforced internally seem less common. Part of that I think just has to do with the nature of RP'ers in general and wanting to do what they want because they're a special individual. In fact, I've found non-RP'ers easier to work with because they'll actually contribute to what needs to be done without being little snowflakes about it.
I also never got the whole notion of there being some divide between RP and PvP. Because to me, PvP is really one of the best ways to provide a form of group content that gets people involved and active as well as creating cohesion as people mesh together on comms etc., while having fun. I mean seriously I'll take PvP and having fun with an active group of people over RP scruples any day of the week.