Yes it's either the people and team work and/or the thrill from being a power player that keeps people in the game. Surely not the lack of any kind of civil or intelligent conversation on WC lol.

I retired to a zen alliance and downsized to 1 (ish) city and can go hours, even a day without thinking of Evony. I'm not missing waking up at 2am to check my account or weekend fight marathons. :P

It might be me but seems the flavor of the game has changed, but even if I mothball my last city I'd keep an eye on what's going on.

With time and a 12 step program you can kick the addiction to Evony.

Yet I have to agree the whole Civony/Evony saga has been fascinating to watch.