
Well, I've only today come across this thread, and, though I haven't yet downloaded the scenario...
1. New Zealand Gold

Appears to have had a substantial amount of gold - where mining continues over 100 years after first discovery, and drove a few gold-rushes, though not of the scale as the USA. Also has Uranium, though it's extraction is considered prohibitive, in relaiton to Australia's strip mining, and national nuclear ban.
2. Scenario Speed - Vital! Slow scenario = boring scenario, no matter how good all other aspects are... Downloadable save-games are a good way of counter-acting huge first-turns - check.
3. A preview pic of the world map - showing civilisation territories.
4. Few posts can also = perfect scenario, in need of no more comment.
5. Perhaps starting a new thread for the scenario - plus preview pic - since many people will likely be loath to wade through so mucg history.
6. Soviet Russia - I do not think should be industrious - since one of the greatest impressions that a visitor might have, is the seeming national pass-time of authority rebellion - after hundreds of years of oppression - and a seeming pathalogical need/active to sabotage.
No offense! I love Russia, and have great fond memories of good Russian friends!