Look at the algorithm linked in the post 2 link.. On earth, the players starting in Europe is likely to start close to other civs and is thus fairly likely to start with 2 settlers.
Also, it is perfectly valid to start on a tile with a hut. You have to move off it an back on it to get it though. And if you build a city upon it, it is impossible to get at it unless the city is removed I think.. (At least I've seen AI cities on top of huts)