GuildWars FACTIONS doesn't refer to Balthazar faction but to kurzick and luxon faction. In all campaigns you need balthazar faction to unlock weaon upgrades, runes, heroes etc. This also counts for Tyria. You can earn faction by playing in the Random Arena's or any other kind of PvP. You can unlock things at a Priest of Balthazar.
EDIT: Ooh, when i submitted the post, I saw you just posted again in the thread.
you can use balthazar factions to unlock things in PvP.
you can identify magic items to unlock things aswell in PvE. When you see an item with the rule: "unidentified"
you can use an identification kit to unlock the upgrade. To salvage the upgrade off you must use an EXPERT or SUPERIOR identification kit. the upgrade will then appear in your inventory. For more info see Guildwiki:
http://gw.gamewikis.org/wiki/Main_Page