I have been with the GPA since 2/12/2007 which is 2,126 days through today - 8December 2012.
I joined them because they focused on the economic aspects of the game which really interested me. Once I started looking at the political side of things I felt that neutrality was the best choice for me as well. Since then I have been honored to serve multiple terms as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Economics, and even a term as President. Eventually RL has won out and my activity level has dropped significantly, but not before my nation cracked into the top 10, peaking at 6 or 7 (I actually think I got to #6, but had screen shots at #7), and stayed there a VERY long time. Even now with minimal effort I have remained in the top 25-30 nations and am the #2 nation in the history of CN with money earned. Its worked for me and I consider my experience playing CN to have been very successful thanks to remaining in the GPA.
Respectfully,
PDG