so as an independent operator they would have not have any MI procedures or policies that they would be required to abide by; their employees could become MR members; their employees would not be elligible for MI rates at other MI branded props; MI could never be held responsible for any incident that happened at one of their franchised independents.............I could go on and on, but terming them as "independents" just ain't gonna fly.......

I would suggest you look up the legal term "apparent authority" to determine its' significance to your premise