How about making public events a llite more public, like to the level that makes you REALLY need backup. Also make the events happen a little more natural and cinematic, great example is at Cave of Embers on Venus, instead of skiffing in a Fallen Spider Tank, make three march over the cliffs and form a triangle covering all sides and then tens upon tens of pike riders, (more than two damnit), flood in and surround th contenders. That is what I call, a public event.