Since you are talking to me (or at least about me

) and it seems like you are still sore about this thing that happened a year ago, let me first in the hope of finally putting it to rest

apologize for two things to whb.
First, I personally apologize for implying that I would quit if the game wasn't reloaded for my child-caused misclick. In reality I probably would not have quit, but it seemed important enough at the time to push hard for the reload. I felt responsible to my team to get us a reload. So I apologize to whb and everyone else for that.
Second, I apologize to whb for accusing him of trying to use the UN to alert Mavs to the existence of the 4-way alliance, before Merlot had actually met Mavs in-game. At the time our team was investing a lot of effort into keeping M &M apart, so seeing that comment on the UN was frustrating. DaveMCW explained later that the whole thing was just a misunderstanding and I accepted that but I don't remember whether I actually apologized to whb for arguing/accusing him. And I'm not looking through all my PM history or the threads to check because that's not the point. The point is, I apologize.
Now, since you obviously have some renewed interest in the game, can I please suggest to whb that you join Sirius or Q as they can both use some more active players. That way your energy for commenting in the UN can also go towards keeping the game viable
I think your ideas for next game are good, and I would take it further. Next game there should only be TWO teams. At least only 2 player controlled ones. Maybe include some deity AIs to keep trading and diplomacy victory options open as well as give competition for wonders. That way we cut to the chase. The game inevitably ends up with two teams/alliances anyway, why not just start with two teams. That way there are no hopeless imbalances.