I almost picked Monarchy, since I feel that it is a dramatic difference compared to despotism. I also spend too much time there instead of switching up the line to republic (my stress on wonder building over outright trading, I suppose.) In fact I often quit a game in the early stages, since I feel that I have a "won game" & it is all over but for the shouting.
I voted for democracy, in that a well run democracy offers flexability as well as great returns (economic as well as scientific). Fundy offers great safety and is a lot of fun to play, especailly when one is hurried and careless -- my second choice of the advanced governments.