More than one Free Company.

Why is it we can have more than one Linkshell but we can only have one Free Company? I Have a few friends I play with that live in the UK and most of the time we play at the same time during the day, but when its late at night they are all asleep. Would like to know if its possible to make it so we could have at least two.

It is because Free Companies, unlike Linkshells, gain access to certain privileges as they grow in rank. I would imagine that having access to multiple bonuses seems to be the deterring factor for being part of multiple Free Companies.

These privileges are company actions that unlock when your FC reaches rank 5 and include:

The Heat of Battle -Increases EXP earned through battle by 5%. -Duration: 24h
Earth and Water -Increases EXP earned through gathering by 5%. -Duration: 24h
Helping Hand -Increases EXP earned through crafting by 5%. -Duration: 24h
A Man's Best Friend -Increases EXP earned by companions by 5%
Brave New World -Increases the attributes of all members under level 10 by 10%. -Duration: 24h
Live off the Land -Increases Gathering by 5. -Duration: 24h

[continued]

What You See -Increases Perception by 5. -Duration: 24h
Eat from the Hand -Increases Craftmanship by 5. -Duration 24h
In Control -Increases Control by 5. -Duration: 24h
That Which Binds Us -Increases spiritbonding speed. -Duration: 24h
Meat and Mead -Increases duration of food effects by five minutes. -Duration: 24h
Proper Care -Slows gear wear by 10%.
Back on Your Feet -Reduces duration of Weakness after being revived by 10%. -Duration: 24h
Reduced Rates -Reduces teleportation fees by 20%. -Duration: 24h

free companies r a guild so its natural only to b able to join 1 :P