Witmore has it in a nutshell.
If you are in an alliance, other nations leave you alone. If you are not, expect unfriendly company on a regular basis.
The truth of the matter is that you will only have a good time if you get involved somewhere. Collecting taxes and buying stuff gets old really quick. The politics, that's where its at.
And since you are purple, consider UPN (United Purple Nations). Big alliance with good people that can stay out of trouble. Believe me, getting into an alliance means nothing if your in with a bunch of trouble makers. The other alliances tend to frown rather strongly ontrouble.