that, and constantly being shot with a stun gun to be fitted with a restraining bolt to be re-sold at a droid shop in anchorhead. droids didn't really ever "live" their own "lives" in star wars with so far only two exceptions. they always had a master, and if they didn't they were waiting to be sold to a master, or re-claimed by a pack of jawa's. the two exception's so far are G0-T0, and the assassination droid revan "fixed".

could it be possible that there is a population of self-sufficient droids in the star wars universe? yes. is it likely that the republic, jedi, or sith will let a droid climb the ranks of their organization? no. while they all make extensive use of droids. i doubt they would put any real power in the hands of one other than being sent on assassination missions, moving data from one place to another, or running kolto tanks. so your chances of playing as a droid are slim

that is unless bioware decides to put in a so far un-heard of third "neutral" faction made up entirely of droids. which i wouldn't put to far past them since a lot of people might not want to take sides in the war, but still participate in it. i mean it is a cold war still. both sides would be in need of "individuals" who's moral compass not only doesn't swing to either side, but is absent all together. droids would fit into that role perfectly.