Well the problem is most of the civ players on this forum are from europe and prefer to pick european leaders. I'm an American and most of the time I pick Rosie. Plus I know the names of every big city in America pretty much. People shouldn't over look America. What I do: My current game:
Fishing and agriculture starting out allows you some feasability to tech early religion
I always have the option "choose religions".
I early teched Mysticism 50% wonder production is beutiful. Got SH waiting for that Priest to come up later to tech Theology.
Went for early religion: struck out at Meditation and Poly and was the first to get mono. Started Christianity.
Went for Piesthood and Writing quick. Built the Oracle on top of having Marble. Teched CoLs founded Taoism, monopolize baby.
Spread Chritianity fast enough, DEFINITELY running Organized Religion cause I haven't buuilt any monestaries. That Shrine some day onb huge marathon for Christianity will be a huge payoff and later shrines to follow.
Caught up on my worker and Military techs. And it's about that time for that Great priest to pop up from SH/ Teching Theo. Monopolizing 3 religions so far.
B lined to Currency, hey I gotta expand. Then astetics I forgot the name of that wonder it brings you 50% specialist production.
Not soon after Great Library. Wonder producers should not be gone to waste. GL... a good 5 tech jump sometimes.
Maybe if I'm lucky I'll be the first to tech Philosophy. Another religion under my belt to monopolize.
All my neibors are Christian.And then some. 50% wonders, courthouses, forges, and factories. Good production Early courthouses from bulbing CoLs good for Espionage.
And the r4est is history.
This has always been my strategy with Rosie and I can't go wrong. If you know what your doing America/Roosevelt by far is THE BESSST. Oh did I mention that I was American!!
SpaceRace here I come!!! It's over.