Considering GX, even at the time, was nearly twice Alara's size, of course it wasn't going to be an equal alliance and GX was naturally going to be at the head of it. Perleone is tiny and allied with Perdan and Vix, are we to expect them to treat them as an equal? Considering they just handed over a region, I think not. Had we followed through with Magnus' plan Alara would have been in as much a client state/Ally position as Perleone is now, but stronger than they are now for it and with GX ready to supply support because we would have good reason to.
Perleone did it out of necessity because they were threathened from all sides and could otherwise not survive. Alara made the decision they do not want to be controlled by a "greater" realm and give up her independence. In fact, you'll find few people/realms who are willing to give up their independence willingly if there are other options. Alara chose to find allies in stead and so did the others, I'm not certain why people are confused about that. Virtually all realms would have taken their route, because 'allying' with GX would have meant becoming a member of their empire and having to follow their diplomatic policies rather than their own. Where's the fun in that?
