I think when one guy breaks a new target, everyone thinks "if he can break him so can I". Then it quickly goes to " I'd better hit it before anyone else does". LG targets disappear fast around here and it is a battle to hit when targets are available and still large enough for good returns.

Added:
My point is that alliances don't effect this. people don't coordinate LGs with their allies to take someone down enough to not Retal. This all happens regardless because we're all greedy for land and are all trying our best to win.

Also seeing the same players in tourney on top doesn't prove you're point. It actually goes against it. If some of those players were disadvantaged with lesser allies, and some blessed with good ones, that would be enough to make or break a good set or not. All things equal, with good allies or no allies they are on top, but give some good allies and some crap allies and its a different ball game.