With the game in its current state, would it make sense for the player to just avoid all alliances, period? I'm thinking of starting a new game and trying that, since it seems they're more trouble than they're worth -- getting dragged into wars you don't want, or not being able to stop allies from continuing when you get a peace deal, etc. It would also avoid the frustration of being attacked by an ally when there's no apparent motivation, just a random dice roll for who is going to annoy the player next.

Has anyone else tried it? If so, what are the effects on trade and your ability to avoid petty warfare?