with some of our more vocal players not around anymore, IF JG54 wanted to fly as a squad, would the powers that be, be willing to let us fly again?
I don't think it was the vocality of the players that necessarily kept them from participating. It was the actual participation that seemed to be cavalier?
That's what I seem to recall (some incident where they ignored orders and did a MA sweep for as many kills as they could get, or whatever?)
That problem solved, probably best to send a PM to the actual CMs of the FSO, and put up an explanation of why you want to participate, and I don't see why they won't be receptive. Generally I don't think they hold a grudge, and try to be inclusive as possible.