Too bad, I would have played

But I don't check CFC often enough anymore. Anyway Don't add me now, 7 players would be too many. Maybe I can be the official adviser (whatever the hell that means) I will briefly outline how I would consider choosing a civ.
Imhotep you need to get a bit more detailed about the settings (they matter for choosing a civ)-
-Are you playing Unrestricted?
-YOU MUST BALANCE the resources or the AI without metal/horse will roll over and die
-No Events right? right?
-No tribal huts right?
-Climate is important
-sealevel?
-
Ok in this setting you MUST take
Imp or Exp- with only 120-130 turns your score WILL matter, tech will NOT. I think Joao will be a VERY strong choose. In this game setting Imp will be just like being Agg.
Creative is ok why waste 20 hammers to pop your borders, 23 hammers is an Axe
Protective is ok for Choking, but Imhotep ruled that out so this is a crap trait
Financial is ok, you won't tech much past the classical period, but IF you get the right land this will get you there a lot sooner and maybe a bit further. IF you take Fin AND you get a lake start your trait is TOTALLY wasted. If you choose a temperate climate this trait is a slightly better pick since you may tech out of your 2nd city.
Philosophical this trait is total crap for this setting-useless
Charismatic you can whip a bit extra and promos come a bit quicker, but the WILL NOT be a decisive trait
Aggressive this trait will depend on how you play it, it can be used to great effect, or ignored.
Industrious - not a strong trait, but Oracle->Currency or Monarchy can be HUGE (but you don't need this trait to do it). The Great Wall can be very nice too. The Hanging Gardens are nice.
The strongest CTON Leaders (in no particular order) are Suryvariman, Shaka, Joao, Genghis, Catherine
Now if you play Unrestricted the strongest CTON Civs (IN ORDER) are India, Zulu, Egypt, and Persia. If choking was allowed this list might be a bit different. Basically it is ALL about the UU, being India is like being Expansive too- it is huge, too bad its techs SUCK.
BTW
ELEPHANTS UBER ALLES