Hello dear Paradoxian,
A belated thank you from me too! This was very entertaining indeed! I actually believe that it was more fun to watch than the Indian Thunderdome. Back then, the early sessions were fantastic, but except for the 7-on-1 final ganking and the last minute score swap between Brunei and Dai Vient, it was less exhiting. This game, was great from start to end! Congrats to the victors and to all who made this game entertaining!
The only thing I think could be an improvement is the question of absentees. This just makes too much difference and can shift the power. Most prominently, in the first "Free Tragulia" wars, I don't think StarNaN's Preussen would have lost had Imse's Hillhaven not been played by the AI and peaced out very quickly. Her leaving allowed Meneth to grow massively towards the north and once Johan had disappeared. Ihk's withdrawal made the Mare Nostrum possible, etc.
I am aware than people in nordic countries seem to have endless holidays and I understand that not all players are as dedicated (aka. obsessed

) to the multiplayer as Da9l and Groogy who play from home even when feeling under the weather. But imho it would be great for key players in important sessions that there is a replacement.
... and if you are aware in advance that you'll be missing >=3 weeks, maybe don't start an own game but instead be one of those replacements
