Usually I just try to be funny, keyword "try", or talk a lot of crap if I can on these forums. Honestly, though I believe this thread needs real attention.
First off, I think it is ridiculous for anyone to deny you entrance to their alliance bc you were associated or were with an "MRA", if anyone ever told me I couldn't join bc of that, I would make it my job to annoy them the rest of the server. Players that are very active and willing to learn the game should not be shunned, but embraced. WE WERE ALL NOOBS, GET OFF YOUR HIGH HORSES PEOPLE!!! Honestly, its a good thing they didn't let you join, they sound like lousy people.
ANyways, it takes time to find a good home, and luckily for me I had an amazing player take me in and teach me the game after I attacked him with non escorted slow trans and swordsmen ( that is not a joke, you can ask AD). Their are some really good players that are willing to teach, but you have to be willing to learn and forget what you think you know, and listen to the ones that do know.
Now, to stay out of in MRA is simple, their are numbers of ways to check out what the leader is all about.
1. Check out grepointel, do some research. I don't believe grepointel tells the whole story of a player, but if said leader leader has led 10 alliances in 10 diff servers and is either not around anymore, or has ultra low points but are filled to the max on cap, good chance he/she runs MRAs.
2. If invited to an alliance, ask what they are all about. If these two phrases pop up, steer clear.
A) "we are about peace, not war" - its a war game, they like to build cities......simmers
B) " We have multiple allies and are pacted with everyone in our ocean" - They are huggers, therefore not fighters, and wont be here long"
Look man, im not gonna pretend to be a guru of the game, cuz im not. But I have had some awesome players teach me a lot, though most of the guys that taught me are not the most well received people in grep, they are some of the best. I hope all goes better man, and don't let idiot players ruin your gaming experience bro. Hang in there.