I would have to disagree, tell me what game changes could have been made in order to change the political situation?, I have seen this happen in many games, when given the choice people will team other with others they think can 1) protect them 2) make the stronger, No one wants to team up with someone who is going to cause them more harm and cause them losing control.
I have respect for NPO they are the top dog and have always been even after Karma NPO was still top dog even pay reps, if you do not believe me what has happened to all those alliances that turn on NPO or betrayed them?, they are 1) Gone 2) sucking up to NPO now.