[ellonweb]

It's not like Ascendancy went into this round with the intention/objective of winning the round. Around tick 500 Ascendancy found itself in a position where there was a chance of winning, and then suddenly things kicked into gear. Same thing happened in rounds 27 and 26 (albeit 27 wasn't successful).

The point though, is that when you find yourself in a position better than expected, most shift their goals. (The reverse is also true.) So, Conspiracy, suddenly finding themselves heading for 2nd place, surely must have seen an objective they hadn't planned on. Conspiracy, had they rallied with the other alliances in targeting Ascendancy, could have shifted their goals and expectations for the round.

Why not take this chance? This looks like a decision by a group with little ambition and self confidence.