Generally, any new information layers that make it possible to judge the game-state would be welcome imho. The game is played too much "in the dark" in terms of competitor's progress. 

And that alliance decision making is also quite not there yet. For me it is often a source of frustration when single empires in alliances unilaterally decide things.

If there is no room to improve, at least it shouldn't be called alliance but "defense treaty" or something.