I just chalk their slow start to their teams personality.
Getting a settler pump going isnt simple for some people.
First you have to pick someone to be in charge of the process; usually a guy, but sometimes things are tough at work for the expected party and he just doesnt have the gumption to play that night.
Next you have to make sure you have food; Italian is a good choice in my experience, so long as you go easy on the garlic.
Then you have to time things right; too fast and your happy home disappears.
Dont forget about protection; you dont need unwelcome guests ruining domestic bliss, those little barbarians ruin things and cost money.
And then there are arguments about who gets to be the turn player.
The Council has had a soft start and they will no doubt limp along for awhile, but now that they have the kinks worked out Im sure they are pretty excited.
No sir, getting a settler pump up and running is a rather tricky process for the type of personality that would name their nation after a bureaucratic entity. As opposed to us happy anarchists, we just need opportunity.
Sorry
