I've seen plenty of FCs that embrace their business persona and do not use it for a front. I think though that sometimes a FC wants to involve all types of characters, so by branching out and offering multiple little facets, it gives everyone something to do.  So for example, a FC really loves the idea of running a restaurant, but they also have characters that wouldn't be caught dead cooking food or serving meals. These characters are more adventurers who would rather go out and then come back to a base or home of sorts.  So the FC decides to run a restaurant for the members who want it (and perhaps saying it is a supplemental income) and "behind the scenes" they also are an adventuring guild. Plus, it might be boring to some to always just be sitting in a business and they want to go out and do other things during the off hours too.
Now why in particular perhaps do you find a lot of shady guilds with fronts? Maybe because some people left, you're a little more keen in spotting those things so they stand out. There -are- quite a few of those, but it's obviously a niche that people want filled so the quantity is there to meet the demand. It's hard to play a morally bad character if they're open and in the spotlight, so some discretion is needed most of the time I think.Â
Anyway sorry for my ramblings! Those are just my two cents. ^^;
Now why in particular perhaps do you find a lot of shady guilds with fronts? Maybe because some people left, you're a little more keen in spotting those things so they stand out. There -are- quite a few of those, but it's obviously a niche that people want filled so the quantity is there to meet the demand. It's hard to play a morally bad character if they're open and in the spotlight, so some discretion is needed most of the time I think.Â
Anyway sorry for my ramblings! Those are just my two cents. ^^;
Mana Mizu | Alvachir Dotharl | C'laihn Venator