I really can't figure out why there should be any animosity. It's a free-for-all as the game was set up, so why can't players do whatever they want in the context of the game? Having to make meta-decisions about diplomacy because you might "insult" other players is more gamey than arrow-catchers.
Diplomacy is part of the game as it is set up. There are RAND and team games for those that don't like it. You can spend your gaming time strategizing and scripting your troops, or you can spend it attempting to coax players onto your side... both are part of the game as I understand it.
I'm irritated the game had to break down because of feelings, and hoped it could go to its own conclusion without accusations and stomping off in self-righteousness. But if nobody's having fun, I'm all for spending time elsewhere as well.
Maybe in the future, easier win conditions could offset stalemates and hurt feelings. I can't even imagine how the CoW game is going to end... I'm guessing Dom3 will come out and everyone will simultaenously quit
