For the most part I agree with the Big Gun. However, I have seen enough "it doesn't matter" posts to know why this argument keeps going on.
50 Cal, if you would just state "Here's what we had with RAM - a NAP. Unlike a true NAP - where we don't attack you, you don't attack us - there was a more complicated situation going on. Yes, we suggested Phoenx targets for RAM to hit that we were hitting at the same time which shows some coordination; yes, some BH players sent support to RAM players under attack; and yes, RAM requested more help; and yes, RAM wanted more help and BH would not comply with those demands because (frankly) they were stupid; and yes, BH took numerous RAM villas with RAM permission to get closer to the front with Phoenx. So, it was a 'NAP with benefits' if you want to put it that way."
I don't think anyone really cares all that much - OTHER than the idea that this information is being given out piecemeal. MissingMatt I believe is just saying "Hey, it wasn't a true NAP - it was something more." Of course it was - enemy of my enemy is my friend and all that - and BH wasn't in it to "save" RAM but to use them as a tool.
RAM perhaps deluded themselves into thinking they deserved more - but from BH's standpoint, my guess is the approach was "we'll help you if we have a chance, BUT ONLY after thinking about if it both benefits us to do so AND doesn't hurt our main objective. RAM, feel free to join in with anything we're doing offensively, but we're not forcing you to do so, nor are we expecting much help." BH and RAM were not friends, they were just fighting the same opponent - and anything RAM could do to slow down Phoenx (absorb nukes and nobles, eat defense, force Phoenx to defend from the East as well as the North) greatly benefitted BH. Which, of course, was the idea.
Lastly, this conversation shows why R2's stats are the most appropriate (for now, at least.) What was left of and active in RAM was actively attacking Phoenx, diverting defense and forcing Phoenx to continue the march eastward until the natives were subdued. It wasn't like RAM was sitting back and hiding and hoping to survive a couple more months - they were doing the best they could to convince BH that they were worthy, active, and fighting by offering villas, trying to coordinate attacks, sharing a forum, seeking defensive help against Phoenx nukes and nobles. This was a serious situation that deserved Phoenx attention. So Phoenx taking out RAM first to secure the eastern border should have been a priority for Phoenx, and should be reflected in the stats to give the true picture of the last two months.