[Agema]

I think diplomacy has been overrated.

Diplomacy is important. However, we all cut our teeth on the SP game where diplomacy barely exists, and it's easy for a MP noob to overlook it, where it will cost them dearly. But I don't think you need to be particularly good at diplomacy to prosper.

Diplomacy is dependent entirely on how much power you have to back it up. No-one is going to support you in a war if you won't be an effective ally. Holding back a potential enemy with potential allies is no use if he thinks he can take you easily enough.