[Wouter]

Minions please..

Many mistakes have been made this round, politically and otherwise. Now not much of that matters.
From Ults POV:

1. Otters were the most hostile and the best attacking alliance.
2. ND/DLR were totally outmatched due to strat choice and did not have the proper fleets to go into a war.
3. CT was always going to play both sides if they were trying to win, they play to their own strengths.
4. IB neglected to see past Ult, even when it had been obvious for long that you couldn't roid us. So after you napped us, you could only properly roid Otters with those fleets.

In short, IB (ab)used and killed multiple alliances this round that were not ready for a war with over eager blocking. I am not saying they weren't willing, but they sure weren't ready. Now IB could have easily continued on the path they were on and let other allies prepare for the war and gain more advantages before going in. But you didnt, 600 ticks from the end you started a war with an alliance that untill then had 0 DC activity, being overly confident cause you landed some waves when there was no one to send defense.

PS: Ofcourse Xerx will feel superior, this is one of the weakest political moves he has ever seen from an alliance trying to beat Ult.