IMO being surrounded by Genghis, Attila, Monty, and Alex is worse.
Yeah, the early going could be rough with that lot.
I recently got put in the middle of Bismark, Hiawatha, Korea, and Napolean. Whats worse is that on the far end of the map were Napolean and Korea. So they had relatively isolated starts, just having to wipe one Civ out each.
Meanwhile I had Hiawatha and Bismark to deal with. Of course each of them turned aggressive at about the same time with their UU's. By the time I was done with them my forces were dwindling...
Meanwhile Napolean had finished off his competing Civ (Rome), grown huge, and had legionnaires. Great time to backstab me. He made headway on my continent but I eventually beat him back. I would have been able to hold him off if not for Korea.
They had polished of the Maya and were at the opposite side of the map from the conflict with Napolean. The only question that remained for me was who to give all of my cities to in the peace deal.
The trouble with your crew would be the early going. With the lot I drew, it was one after another lining up to take me out.