[quote name='Haflinger' date='23 July 2010 - 12:49 AM' timestamp='1279864162' post='2385555']
Actually, the move of NAC and us puts Red ahead of Purple in total nations. Although Red's average NS is still quite a lot lower than Purple.
But total nations is what really matters for trades.
[/quote]
Heh, I wasn't looking at stats to be honest. Politically, the red sphere is the "NPO" sphere and will be be for some time. I am sure at some point in time though, that Red will see more growth as there will be other alliances that become politically isolated on their relative spheres and see Red as their next move for whatever reason. Although you also bring up the point of ANS which these days is more important these days on the global scene when it comes war time and that might play into things as well.