Moot Point
There is no arguing the statistics - NoE is a force to be reckoned with. As is The Secret. However, all points are moot given the fact that this game is weak and really has nothing to do with intellect or skill. It is a game of brute force, persistence, and teamwork. No individual could hope to amount to much in this game. The need for a strong alliance is given as you need constant strikes to eliminate a single town. The problem is that while you a hammering at 1 town, that player builds up enough BP to conquer others or take over a ghost town, It can turn into nothing more than a game of whack-a-mole unless you can attack continuously and at multiple targets and the defender does not get adequate support.
The fact that we don't get BP for support is beyond stupid. I lose hundreds of biremes and others get my BP?! Too difficult to program a spread based on number of defenders? Maybe outsource it to India.
NmE rimmed Snakers because he gave up and did not communicate his needs. People grow tired of this game because there is no end game. No goal. Attack other alliances until yours is the biggest in your ocean. Then attack the next ocean. Fun on the fringes, boring in the safe zones. In the end you get to say you were in the biggest alliance...in your ocean at least. Do you want a plaque to go on the wall in your mother's basement where you play instead of getting laid?
I put in less than 2 hours a day and I can be a top 50 player? How lame is this game? Where would I be if I ever got attacked? (Which I finally am! Thanks brandonstoker and doost3r of NmE). I hope to go out in a blaze of glory just to make things fun. But, more than likely, I will be stuck in my real life and unable to dodge an attack. By the way NmE, if/when you get around to rimming me, I'd appreciate a reach around.
As for the "tax", the argument is oh so lame. You're in an alliance. Putting a request of 5-10 biremes to support the alliance is not something I would consider a tax, but an expectation of any alliance I would be in. I am not here to see you grow pretty cities while I constantly defend you. Build some defense and support others. NmE has expectations of their players, they are just more offensively geared.
I'm done waxing poetic. Flame away and try to add meaning to your life. Bring on the witty banter and engage in your debates. My point is clear and irrefutable (at least in my mind). Smack talk is worthless in this game because there is nothing to care about.
Panus
*oooohhh! Look! I can pick a cool icon for my post! Let's see, sword or helmet would mean I'm tough...dove or laurels would signify diplomacy or utter gayness...blue potion may signify meth lab...wood could indicate the logs I'm sawing cause I'm so bored...blue boat probably indicative of the fact it will be underwater soon...that's either a family or the group getting ready for the orgy...ahhhh-ha!...little starry things to show the gods like me! Everyone will think I'm so cool!