This makes more sense CCP. The larger alliances already have an advantage in manpower and resources to bring into a fight. Artificially giving them even more advantages preventing defenders from getting Allies by a game induced tax is unnecessary. Once some sort of parity is approached, you can start applying fees to keep the kitchen sink from being thrown.

Mercs will still be appealing, in their own niche. For example:

A 10 man high-sec piracy corp decs a 30 man mining corp, demanding ransom or exploding Orcas. At this point the defender is already over the manpower headcount of the aggressor with an apparent 3:1 "advantage." Make them pay an exorbitant fee to bring in an ally. Reality knows that they need some combat pilots. This is where the Mercs come into play. They could be hired for less than the cost of bringing in Allies.

Mercs would also be appealing to bring in an advantage once you have an approx. 1:1 headcount with your enemy for less than the cost of Allies.

And come on Goons, dont pretend "come at me bro" anymore. You just run screaming to CCP when pp do.

Although after reading this a few times it suddenly dawned on me that the right way to do this would be to have treaties. Manage your friends a mutual defence treaty, and hire your mercs through this expensive wardec ally mechanic.