I think there needs to be some onboarding for alliances, now there are so many flags flying.

I see many confused crews that don't understand that the 50% gold and rep is FREE, or that there is a separate flag that only appears when you are close.

I propose that when approaching a crew with an offer alliance flag up for the first few times, that the game displays prompts much like how to repair your ship, explaining how it works.

Struggles I've seen.

1. Knowing it exists or what it means.
2. Knowing the split is 'free'.
3. Knowing the alliance flags are on the SECOND tab of the flag screen.
4. Knowing that the join flag exists, and only appears when close.
5. Joining an existing alliance instead of offering.

How to address:

1. Add onboarding prompts when approaching a ship flying offer, or in an alliance.

2. Correct the text on the flag, to better explain. Currently it tells crews that everyone takes a 'cut' which isn't true. it should read, "All crews in an alliance get a bonus when an allied ship sells treasure."
   

3. Not sure how to fix this, without crowding the screens, or making alliance options the FIRST tab in the list, without redesigning the UI completely.

4. Make the join alliance flag always visibile, but disable / lock them like uncompleted promotions in the shops.

5. I'm not sure about, maybe they can put up a 'join alliance' flag when close to an alliance, but it only triggers if an alliance member puts up a invite to alliance or offer flag or something.