[baruk]

A radical idea: use normal research.

- It keeps things simple.
- Balance between rushers and turtlers is maintained.
- Boomers already balanced by popularity of rushers.

So someone might finish research before turn 50. What's the big deal? There is no "research victory" to take into account.

My take on map balance: if starting distance between capitals is large, then research should be made more difficult to compensate the rushers.
On this map, distance between capitals will be low considering no. of players divided by total no. of provinces, so research should stay at normal.

See how normal research goes for this game - if need be changes can be made for Megagame 3.