I like the current format. It is challenging. Although it can be frustrating when you pick the wrong alliance and end up locked out of the middle. However, a confederation of alliances can overpower a controlling alliance if they really want to fight for it.
But to just throw your hands up and cry about the winners is not very sportsmanlike either.
It simply comes down to how bad you want the middle. As real life kings are dethroned, so too can server kings.
You just gotta fight.