Sulla was regularly commenting on how much they were running away with the GNP graph in their thread, before the attack. Considering that Whoisit was prepared to build 4 galleys and send troops across the map to attack Spulla, I don't think it takes a genius to workout that running away with a particular graph is a bad idea. Sulla and Speaker are geniuses and know they don't want to appear too strong again. At least until they are too strong that they can beat just about 3 opponents.
Jowy at least realises that he is doomed and Spulla can't really a way without lying, to not tell him that.
Edit:
Athlete
I have 96 gold, am on 0% research generating 60 gold and will have priesthood in 6 turns.
Sulla
We now make 168gpt at 0% science!
Spulla are running completely away with this game, the other teams just haven't caught on yet!
Jowy at least realises that he is doomed and Spulla can't really a way without lying, to not tell him that.
Edit:
Athlete
I have 96 gold, am on 0% research generating 60 gold and will have priesthood in 6 turns.
Sulla
We now make 168gpt at 0% science!
Spulla are running completely away with this game, the other teams just haven't caught on yet!