I would like to see the addition of an option to create your own custom civilization. What I mean by custom is the ability to select the leader image, traits, unique unit, and color. Perhaps you could even opt to select less than 2 traits or no unique unit in exchange for increasing the score modifier.

Perhaps I want to be Financial/Philosophical with the Fast Worker as my unique unit. Perhaps I don't like the hard to see grey of Germany. I think this would even further enhance the replayability aspect of the game.

I realize that I could, if so inclined, modify the XML files to create the civilization that I want but I would have to modifiy it every time I wanted to try a different variation instead of just my custom civilization on the fly at game start.

I appreciate any constructive criticism.

BriCrowe

Well part of the problem with that is that the traits+UU are not individually balanced.

I find it hard to believe that any one combination of traits and unique unit would be so overpowered as to present a severe balance issue.

I find it hard to believe that any one combination of traits and unique unit would be so overpowered as to present a severe balance issue.
think about these traits....
Philosophical, Industrious
100% wonders & 100% great leader points
waay to powerful.

Would a combination of Industrious and Philosophical really be overpowered?

I play a GP-heavy strat and tend to net more than a few wonders. I don't think that the Industrious trait would make all that much of a difference, and I would have to think twice about giving up Financial for it.

Would a combination of Industrious and Philosophical really be overpowered?
a civ with those traits plus pacifisum woould probably get most if not all the wonders (with stone or marble) and mabye 30 or so great people

There's a good reason why Phil/Ind is the only leader combination that's not in the game. Imagine getting twice as many Wonders which now produce twice as many GPPs.

Where is the problem?

If a certain combination would be overpowered, who cares?
It is still up to the player to decide, which settings he wants to play, right?

I agree with the OP's suggestion.