Fencesitter

A fencesitter is someone who belongs to an alliance, but will not attack hostile planets belonging to certain alliances (usually bigger ones), or defend against more powerful alliances, because he or she is afraid that the bigger alliance will attack him or her. Usually, the fencesitter has some accord with the alliance whom he or she will not enter with hostilities against. Fencesitters are generally regarded as spineless lamers. Some consider it a valid tactic for maintaining an (inflated) high position on the rankings.

Allowing ostensibly hostile planets a NAP is a powerful tactic for overrated alliances. Not only does it remove one potential (usually large) attacker, it also artificially increases their enemy's size and score, thereby making them more valid political targets.