Seriously, DadRabit...
We're looking at two different but important values -- tradition/loyalty to a country, and teh game's need for balance. Both are good things, but they're in conflct right now. Unfettered choice of country has created serious (sometimes massive) imbalance.
It would be great if everyone had free choice of country. It would be great if everyone faced equal overall odds in equal planes, because who wants to get ganged every single place they take off?
It would be great if everyone chose in a way that kept the game fair and balanced -- but they havent.
Bluntly, your freedom to choose country has deprived others of their right to an even playing field.
How would you suggest the conflict be resolved?