I have been thinking about 8 player map little bit like the old teather of war map. There would be 4 spheres with something like 20 provinces each. Two players start from the same sphere. Then there would be two spheres with something like 30 to 40 provinces. The 4 winners from small spheres would move to the bigger ones. And you probably guessed it already but there would be one big sphere where the remaining two would go for it in the end. Player would not be allowed to move to the next sphere before his opponent is defeated. Maybe there should be two connection points between the spheres. This kind of map would make bit different game where fast kills would be rewarded. It might benefit the bless nations more but i guess it would not be too big problem. It would be like rush game where turtling is only going to kill you. There would also be no dogpiles involved. Strenght of the independents should probably be set to 9. It would be possible to make 16 player version too.
I would be really interested in game like this
Dominions total war