Oops! Missed this one yesterday, but better late than never. Curious about how the developers of Frontier 1859 see PvP? Dyonisis at Game Method was, and he asked Daniel McMillan some questions:

Dionysis: The "checks and balances" reputation system that is being implemented in Frontier 1859 is very good and should accomplish everything you want. One more question, what's the difference between positive player conflict and griefing?

Daniel McMillan: Positive players fight only in the common cause. They unite with others who are fighting against the most threatening forces against them. They may not be on the right side of a conflict, but they usually play by the golden rule "do onto others what you would have them do to you." But, as mentioned above, this rule only works if player-characters are held responsible for their actions.

Find out more by reading the whole interview over at Game Method.