So, what expectations do players have about their alliances getting involved in wars?
Would players leave and reform, just because they're itching for a fight? Does that leave a hole where they once were?
Is there an expectation to keep these 'tournament-like' groups of alliances self-contained, or will there be an overspill?
How is overspill contained, and at what point would someone peripheral to the arrangement become involved?
What happens to players who try to wear two hats at the same time?
This might seem fine, if a little chaotic, for established players who know a little about the state of play, but it could touch a raw nerve if new players are caught up in it. Are training alliances immune to these effects? Should we be keeping sparring isolated, or should it have wider repercussions?
In asking these questions, I think the answer is 'information', and knowing where players stand, and what they're expected to do. There's trouble when players step outside of their expected roles, because it makes us feel insecure about our assumptions of safety.
So, is the answer to make it as obvious as possible, that a player is in a 'war tournament'? e.g. Cut off all ties with their former alliances, join a sparring alliance, and ensure that sparring alliances have "sparring" in title?
What complications could occur if players try to 'wear two hats'?