[thejeff]

While that's true on a per player basis, that largely effects rushing tactics. The length of the game and the amount of work/micromanagement needed in the endgame is largely driven by the actual number of provinces.

Of course if the players are cooperating and fighting the AI, then you won't likely have to play it out all the way.

I would suggest a fairly small number of players, enough so that the AI has a significant numerical advantage, 2-1 at least. I'd also suggest a smaller map (in the per nation sense) so that conflicts start early when the AI isn't as outclassed as it is by late-game tactics.