I'm a newish player - and as you know am good with getting my turns in from the other PBEM you are hosting. (endoftime)
One suggestion though take it or leave it -
I'm playing in an accelerated startup game over here -
http://www.shrapnelcommunity.com/thr...b=5&o=&fpart=1
And so far (turn 19ish) its been a very exciting and fast game, basically you start with a bunch (10?) of sages to do the research and each player has an even distribution of starting provinces (althoughs there are still indy provinces aplenty).
Its up to you and the other players though, being first time mp for some guys vanilla might be the way to go : )