I think a number of alliances have "already seen" and finished the game because of AeO. AeO leadership are managing their alliances fairly well but more importantly they have some very good attacking players who "still believe".
LOL....Here's a good recount of the swagger of AeO.
"Last night with Alpha.
Got seduced (op-ed) by an alpha (or two) last night
heard they were second biggest
ends up they stuffed the bulge
had to fake an org*** (red revolt)
no one else in my family (alliance) even knew about it
didn't cry out, it was a totally meaningless experience
I think they did take 1 candy from a baby....otherwise 24 hours of futility
....oh, and the baby took the candy back.