Dark_Nephi
Chieftain
I do exactly the same thing, moreover technologies are acquired more quickly, providing a significant advantage over the AI.
It's also perfect for building boomtowns.
Love this strategy... democracy plus crazy rapid expansion helps for super fast technology growth production power. I never talk to enemy civs and am always wanting to try ways to make other civs have the great wall or united nations.
I used to do this really funny thing where I would surround every spot of my continent with caravans so that while I was at peace with nations they wouldnt be able to land units on my land without doing the sneak attack. however game gets weird and units disappear either from glitches or not enough population for so many units. caravans or diplomats surrounding your land is a no shield costing way to keep the good "bad guys" out.