I think it's pointless to continue our conversation in top 12, when:
1) we no longer have top 12, there are top 2 really
2) our topics are more driving towards trash talk.
We should open a thread just for
@stevehazelnuttehepic and his reports because lets face it - he's got the best ones!
Back on subject of top *blank*, there are just 2 sides and few satellites cruising around. We have west side (44 and 45) and east side (54 and 55), not counting few cities on other borders. This world is really small but that's our own fault from the beginning, we didn't give a chance to new players to expand and explore this game properly, we all devoured them in first month like killer sharks. Honestly, I think we should really reconsider our behavior towards new players but that's also for another topic...
Anyway, WD + WD II + GD are keeping their core islands tight on upper west side and will go for all wonders (as I presume), with possible help of FES which will be very valuable to them. At one point Silence joined their tribe but I don't think it will last long, knowing their leadership I doubt they would accept to be a part of a huge feeding system, they would rather be by themselves - which they will do! They do have several core islands in south 45 so there's no doubt they will try to build WWs as well.
East side looks even tighter controlled by TBD and TBA. Tomados are now a part of TBA so core islands in 54 are definitely secured for good. Another bonus for the east side is the fact that there's still plenty of food - Shawnees are there. BP is guaranteed, new cities are acquired each day and east side is constantly growing, while the west side has no real option for food except TBD & TBA, which brings them to a decent amount of BP but lower chance to get some cities.
Individual players are a higher power on both sides, we both have heavy hitters and heavy defenders so any idea of knocking someone out of the game is becoming more and more difficult - unless the target is quitting or on a verge to quit.
The ultimate winner will be the side that gets to build WWs first and both sides have equal chance to achieve it. Have in mind that 1 small mistake or slip could make a big difference in the endgame. The question is who is more organized, compact, skilled, active and resourceful.
This endgame will surely be very interesting, and I can't stress enough how interesting would it be if we'd have more players and alliances to compete for WWs. In this case it will be just 1 on 1.