Guys, at the end of the day it is just a game. There will be seven losers and one winner. I wouldn't play a game where my payoff for playing was whether I win or not with 8 to 1 odds against me.
Justin, I'm sorry if you feel picked on, but here in Australia we have a condition called the 'Tall Poppy Syndrome' where whoever is on top gets cut down by the others (I think it comes from our convict heritage). I've been honest with you (and the other players) both thematically and personally about my objectives. I have appreciated and enjoyed the way you've played the game - and learned a lot tactically from what you have done. You are much better at playing this game than I am and watching what you have done has been a real education. Having said that, I'm going to play the game as hard as I can tactically, strategically and diplomatically - and I'm hoping everyone else is as well.
Its nothing personal, its just the game.