I voted "No".

A larger issue that should be addressed is, inability to deploy deferred troops to multiple locations.

When I first started playing, memberships were not auutomatically renewed through payment method, thus I was able to have non-members and non-players purchase "Gift Memberships" for me. Now with automatic renewal, that is not an option and I have been forced to the four game limit. PLEASE, RE-THINK ...

Game 15338591, US Senate map. An eight player game which needs 5 more to start.

Yes, and someone just mentioned in a newer, related, Forum post the possibility of two people (friends etc.) who might discuss froming an alliance prior to or outside the game altogether. That would be no different than private chat discussion. Even if they posted the alliance as required in game ...

Yes alstergren, exactly. You understand/interpret the concept as I do.

Discussion is not an alliance.

An alliance takes mutual agreement between two or more parties to the details/specifics of a pact to conform an act, or series thereof, bennificial to agreeing parties.

I don't see how that is a secret alliance. Until agreed upon, there is no alliance. Of course once there is agreement, announcement in game chat advising of the, then existance of such an agreement should be obviously be made. So the actual alliance is not a secret.

Is it wrong to agree to an alliance in private chat prior to posting it in in the game chat?

Also, is it enough just say "Color 3 and Color 5 have formed an alliance." or do details the parties have agreed to also need to be stated?