1. I think a big part of this is up to us, the players. 
2. Attracting Jedi attention (and the subsequent problems we would face) seems like a big draw for the RP at least for me
3. Any number of reasons can explain this. For one, maybe they are an ex-Jedi/Sith. There have also been cases of highly force sensitive individuals being able to construct lightsabers without the aid of the Jedi or Sith.

I'm not the DM but these are just my thoughts :)