I have appreciated some of the points you have raise Polar. I think particularly the imbalance between just basing on regions in the alliance block and the number of players (especially active skilled ones in an established well resourced realm) vs a more sprawling disorganised, new and less well resourced bloc of realms is a very important distinction. I think others have picked that crucial point out so it was worthwhile from that point of view alone.
The other questionable benefit is it has played a part in provoking a rare bit of input from me. As will follow.
I think looking for agreement on opinions in forums is generally futile, so if there are a couple of positives/points made you have done alright.
