I answered 5, as a ballpark. Although strangely enough, my opponent has been regularly about 9 systems away or so in my Last batch of games.
I really only had one game starting out next door.
Random placement has not been bad to me. What actually hurts more is the amount of useless systems and planets that you get in your draw... heh, actually, I like to know where mt oponnent is. It settles the tense feeling in my gut...
...well actually it doesn't.
Starting out next door is really exciting and fun. It is another strategy you need to develop, in my opinion, something you need to deal with.
Good poll.