It's unfortunate that when one alliance and another chose to merge for many public (and private) reasons that if those alliances are near the top they are assaulted for it. Yet any other set of alliances can merge... oh and then merge... and then merge... and then merge... Then it's not a big deal?
Mergers are going to happen for a large array of reasons, sometimes leadership of one (or both) alliances needs assistance. Other times it may be out of mutual direction and focus. It really doesn't matter why an alliance merges. If there are complaints that an alliance is to "good", well deal with it and #GetBetter. Every alliance leader has the opportunity to do the same and many choose the wrong path. When alliances choose to take the correct path, the get again get assaulted for making better decisions than other groups on the server. It's a bit sad and pathetic really...
Let's just take a quick gander at what is going on. You have a group of alliances that total way more than The Hive. If this particular group had leadership that was able to teach and manage their own players then they would easily be able to take on The Hive. The fact of the matter is they either don't have that leadership or the leadership in existence isn't willing to put the time into it. There is a lot of work and effort that goes into creating good alliances. The Hive was built through the effort and drive of it's members. It will continue to succeed through that drive and effort. It's not the fault of The Hive that others are not putting in that type of effort or have not come up with a structure that works for them etc...
It's very interesting to see what others would have our alliance do. I have been messaged saying we need to break up because we are successful. Why? Is it that complicated for alliances to put real thought into how they will handle themselves both diplomatically and as far as expansion guidelines etc. go?
Why is it that there is the decision to come to the boards and whine that a group is doing well? Shouldn't it be cause to redouble your efforts and determine a path to victory? Are people so easily broken that this early in the game there is an automatic belief that the server is decided? This is a long game, no reasonable person would conclude that this server is "won" by any one group of players. Yes, we are in a good position, so if it's a big deal to you, get off your rump and do something about it instead of cry on the forums about it. Please, we would welcome the effort!
I dislike saying such things in general, but Brit has it right- Don't be a sore loser, be a driven one-