I remember reading that it was taken out so people can make their own friends and enemies. When you join a gang, the first thing you get is an NC with a bunch of friends and enemies, people that you haven't even seen in game yet sometimes.
It's not so different from the "-Who is **** ? -A fucking bastard, kill him! -And ***** ? -He is our ally! Don't shoot idiot!" ? Except it's easier? And for people in the gang since long time... When you know every color, you recognize every gang, and it allow more diplomacy. (I keep an eye on him, shoot this one on sight, trust this other one...)
