I've had quite a bit of experience with alliance, having seen the destruction of 4 as a Member, being a Vice Host, and outlived most of the leaders of the alliances I quit.
Here's my say:
A Host needs to be experienced in the game, because, if he relies on the Vice Hosts too much, he's not going too far.
But, the Host shouldn't be ranked #1 by prestige in the alliance, because the alliance will basically devolve into a one-man alliance w/ people he's giving away Lv. 10 NPCs to.
The Host should be professonial, to the point of considering all good ideas, and making the alliance better on a daily basis, teaching and learning from his members. But he shouldn't try to be professional, as that is what makes a corporation, with him as boss and tyrant.
The Host should remember he's only as good as his worst Member, as he has no power without his allies, and should respect them.
Even an idiot could be host if he lets the Members have a say.