This is just one of those questions that doesn't affect the time of day or the price of eggs in Hamilton on Thursday.
While I was playing Civ I and Civ II, there was a strong inclination to build the first city on the coast. I am almost sure that was a major strategy recommendation. Now in Civ III I see so many people saying that they don't want that coastal city Capitol... It is emphasized over and over - unless for Seafaring civs(?).
Does anyone remember why we were encouraged to build a coastal city first? Was it those tri-remes? and why do we not want coastal cities in Civ III?