Well, I don't suggest banning any nations, as it's going to be a newbie game. Just restrict a few nations from experienced players should some decide to join, and restricted nations should probably be Niefelheim and Hinnom. Possibly Mictlan and Sauromatia too. There are a lot of strong nations in EA if you know how to leverage the good parts and fill up the bad parts - but that's what you guys are playing this for, to learn the game
Shahrivar is a good map for ~10 players. You could go and browse the map&mod part of the forums for more good ideas, but preferably you'd like a map with around 10-15 provinces per player.
Also, I'd suggest using llamaserver - the UI to use it is easy and fast, and it works very well. I have to admit that I haven't used Gandalfs server, but it's another option, as is hosting the game yourself. The host-it-yourself I don't suggest, since it'll give you lots of work, even if you were eliminated from the game.