@torpedoa there are several ways we handle ffas when i play.
1: all war, all the time, no alliances, no deals, no egging on others to attack a faction.
2: we only allow each faction to try to instigate one diplomatic function per turn, even if that action fails or is turned down, only one diplomatic action per turn.
3: unlimited diplomatic actions per turn.
4: adjust settings so "deals" take an extra round to "break" so there is less back-stabbing and surprises.
5: usually when one faction is stronger then the others, there is an unspoken alliance against the strong faction.