Though I am somewhat offended by the question in principle, I will reply nevertheless.
The Forge:
United Federation of Planets
Klingon Empire
Romulan Star Empire
Lyran Star Empire
Hydran Kingdom
Gorn Confederation
Interstellar Concordium
Kzinti Hegemony
Orion Cartel
Korgath Cartel
Prime Cartel
TigerHeart Cartel
BeastRaiders Cartel
Syndicate Cartel
WyldeFire Cartel
Camboro Cartel
Universe At War:
United Federation of Planets
Klingon Empire
Romulan Star Empire
Dominion
Breen Kingdom
Borg Collective
Interstellar Concordium
Cardassian Union
Gorn Confederacy
Lyran Star Empire
Kzinti Hegemony
Imperial Alliance
Alien Alliance
Hydran Kingdom
Tholian Holdfast
Ferengi Alliance
There's 24 reasons.
25)
Its free.26) It does not require an expensive powerhouse PC.
In general; the combination of tactics, strategy, roleplay and comraderie is unlike anything you will find in any other gaming community. It is a game that challenges and stimulates your mind on many levels.
For me, I like to zone out on
Breakout and the like instead of the latest greatest first person shooter built to bolster sales of video cards with artificial standards. HT&L is a crock, my 7 year old Matrox card works just fine thanks.