With current system, small group of new players (not event a gang yet) has to kill a big, mighty gang controlling the city to buy a base. And you think its normal?
And what's preventing you from buying a base in Junktown, which is a guarded town?
Besides - what's wrong with the current TC? Some gangs like to have visitors, some run a closed business - it's what they get for defeating the initial militia and keeping the town in their hands. If they want to kill you, that's their choice. If they want to let you in, that's their choice as well. They don't let you trade or dig there? Well, maybe they want to have a specific resource just for themselves? Maybe they'll let you in if you pay them (did anyone even try that before bitching here?)? Don't like it? Take the town, make your own rules.
This thread is full of posts that could be translated into "bad people killed me, so lets have devs punish them." Sorry, not going to happen. If TC lethality/intensity is decreased, it's not going to save your sorry ass - it's going to make it worse, cause gang members will get bored and will go looking for action elsewhere, most probably hunting people like you.
Honestly, it's good as it is. It allows stable control, it allows constant warfare - depending on what people choose to do. Just get rid of the bugs and let it be.