Yea, I've seen some pretty bad starts.  Most of the time, there is at least something decent, but usually its 4/2/1 at best.

I got atacked the other day before turn one.  As the game loaded I was attacked by darklings.  I survived becasue my Sov was built for combat and had some life magic, but if he had been built differently, I could have easily been defeated before ever taking a turn.  

We're starting to put in pre-made maps that will be the default for new players.  

The random maps are supposed to be random.  But I agree that they're not for everyone.

I like the random maps. It forces you to adapt to what you find, or don't. I ended up going to war in my last one because there was only one Iron node and she grabbed it just a turn before I did. No iron meant trouble for my mid game, I'm still trying to finish her off, but I got my iron and it is coming in very useful. In my definition, 'random' means 'improvise, adapt, and overcome'.

Folks who need 'perfect' starting locations shouldn't play random maps. I think the way that randoms are currently being generated are fine and definitely better than they used to be. Thanks for the work on that, by the way.

this is absolutely nonsense

its not about perfect starting location is about having a balanced starting

if i had a guarantee that my opponents all start teh same as me id have no problem with a 1 1 0 start

I've never understood how this makes that much of a difference. And I too like the challenge of adapting to different starting areas. Keeps things interesting

What about nearby shards? Clay pits? Food? Rivers and forests? If we need to balance this then aren't these other variables also unbalancing? When does it end? Slippery slope man

are you really saying a wild horses have the same importance as having essence in the starting location?

as i said i dont seek an OP start or id want all you said...

i want an average start

so if i get a 3 2 0 with not so much around i CTRL N because i know it sux so much

if i get a 3 3 1 without river i play

its called balance...

D - it isn't nonsense, it is a difference of opinion. It just so happens that I disagree with yours

If you want guarantees of a perfect balanced start, then pick a pre-made map. The reason for that is because your idea of perfection isn't mine. On a random map, you might end up 'perfect', but your enemy doesn't and then you complain that the game is too easy. Different strokes for different folks.