So a recent battle list contained at least 10 players named Alex at level 250 with 500 allies, all with attack stats in the 160b range, 4-square kingdoms, a 0/1 shadow tunic and 21/21 mail crushers (naked otherwise) and a single rubbled castle.

Have these guys always been around and I'm just now noticing? What's the deal? And why do they not show up on a battle list unless many show up?

Also, it's clear that not every erstwhile player would show up on a battle list- does anybody know how activity level influences that?