[Baalz]

That's a longstanding and spirited discussion Niarg. Short story is some people don't consider NAP's worth the text used to write them (and honor them accordingly), some people consider them very binding and will honor them even if that means defeat, and some people will honor them unless they have a very good reason not to. In my MP experience NAPs are honored most of the time, and the people who violate them frequently quickly build up such a rep and have a hard time dealing with people in the future.

So...they're worth signing because at the very least it'll make the other party look to other opportunities before considering you as a snack, but you've got to expect to be backstabbed every now and then. The best NAPs are the ones where you make sure it's in the other party's best interest to continue to not attack you through strong trade relations and not presenting a tempting target.