Thanks for the responses!
More startup options are good - fast research in particular should be fun. I do hope the advanced start is possible too.
Looking at the map editor demo and file, some new options there:
a) Terrain - can now set the terrain types. Maybe can approximate resources and supplies this way? Would be nice, but hopefully a #setresource will still be possible. Probably a #setsupply too...
b) New victory conditions - can win game with standard victory, or by a couple of interesting other ways - victory points (enhanced Version of the province capture from Dom1), amount of Dominion, number of provinces, and number of research points. Very cool!
c) You can set the new dominion types settings (undead Ermor, Golem Cult, etc).
d) You can set allies for the AI! Nice way to make the game harder - try starting as center of Flower with AI nations allied surrounding you
e) Start with spells researched!!! Very nice, especially for fast games and testbed scenarios.
Should be fun - when's the party starting? My wife may miss me, but I fear a relapse coming on...