So. I figure the following, and I want to find out what is popularly accepted, so I don't screw anyone (else) over.

A Truce is when 2 players reach a point where they're killing each other, or going to kill each other, in a way that will result in both of them doing badly that game, so they call a truce to focus on the 'bigger threats' first.
In my opinion, this should end when the bigger threats are gone. It's kinda like a ceasefire.
Flags should still be respected.

An alliance may be formed over the same issues as a truce, however it is where the two players will activly help each other out, and is to the end. Flags on others are ignored. It's almost like 2 players merged into a doublestriking beast that aims to take both first and second, no holds barred.

I don't think the latter is sporting, and won't play that way, though I will truce when it seems my only option.

Now. I'm pretty sure truces are acceptable, so my question on them is really about if flags on others should be respected or not.

And as for the latter, I don't think it's acceptable play, however I've seen it happen too often to be sure.

On a side note, that I should probably post to the 'ideas' forum, would a 'truce' setting be a benefit to the game? if you click a 'truce offer' beside someone elses name, and they click it next to yours, you get an X turn (say, 5) truce, that counts down? if so, enforced or not enforced?