So, some ideas for who to play. I'd favor a duke or two-plus-province count in a larger kingdom/duchy, so it's not too steamrolly early on, yet not too powerless either. I'd also favor being in a realm with minimal crown authority, so that we have the option to fight internally if conditions are favorable.
Flanders would fit that fairly well I think. Perhaps also some dukes in Croatia, Hungary, or Poland? Slavonia, Nyitra, Ungvar, or Mazovia? Or Nidaros for some nice Norwegian adventures? As a count, maybe Robert de Hautville in Messina, under the Duchy of Apulia?
And that's all keeping it Catholic. I'd be okay with HRE too; I've just already played them. I tried northern Spain once too and found it to be quite a struggle against the infidel, but that was the Viking start and they aren't as united in 1066, so it may be more fun on the 1066 start.