How many players do you think would chose the "no plunder" option, if my idea were implemented?
If only a small percentage chose it, there would not be a big difference to the game, but that small percentage might continue to play instead of quitting.
If a large percentage chose it, then one would have to question the usefulness of the plunder feature.
As I see it, there are lots of other aspects of the game to keep a "hard core" player busy without any need to plunder. There's GE, continent expansion, and GvG. It can take several hours to win a GvG sector, especially if you're doing it solo. Then there are other things one can do. I've spent lots of time just helping new players, writing guides for them, helping them plan their city, etc. And, of course, one can build cities in multiple worlds.
I love every other aspect of the game, I just can't stomach the intrusive nature of plundering. Don't tell me just to leave the game, I've been playing it for 3 years, I've bought lots of diamonds and spent lots of time on the game, I feel I have a right to voice my opinion and make my suggestions. Because I've had a social approach to the game rather than a conquest one, I've come in touch with a lot of people, ranging from young to old, casual to hard-core. And I can't help feeling that the plunder feature adds nothing good to the game. I have tried to come up with several ideas over the years, and I believe this idea is sound, and should not be dismissed off-hand.