The only reason I believe TOP would drop the protectorate is because I know they are pride themselves on being an honorable alliance. The more information that has come to light, at least from what we as the general public have learned, the more TSO seems to have operated through underhanded means and via shady dealings. Should the Tattler's information be correct, and we'll see what Part 2 has to say, I'd be very surprised if TOP decides to overlook that information and keep the protectorate.