It appears that Kenshi's system refers to character and equipment stats when comparing character strength. However, it is unconfirmed which stats and how much they affect the system.

Make sure the strength of the character is PLAYER≧TARGET.

Perhaps there is a change omitted.I will take a look when I have time.

Interesting idea. I noticed that freed bounty hunters/rebel captains/rebel heavies/tech-hunters/hiver caravan guards/etc... would never ever join me after freeing them from slavery. If this mod does as I believe it does, then it should be possible to recruit these people if their personality allows it? If so, very cool. I will try it out. It would be great to be able to get mid-level recruits in a natural way. Thanks.