Another thing that might sometimes (note: not a guarantee) help is simply messaging neighboring players, saying hello or something. I pretty much attack any non-friendly around me and drive a few out of my area now and then with more aggressive attacks, but if someone messages me asking for a truce, or to be friends, or just a general 'hi, I'm new in the neighborhood' I leave them alone.

Of course, I emphasize again, there are some players that just don't care and will attack anyway. But some can actually be nice and not only co-exist with you, but actually try to help too.