I wonder if I should try a Montezuma game going for culture? Build half a dozen cities quickly, selling off all luxuries and never build anything that can make my people happy. Make some strong units that can defend each city, maybe 2 per each and when borders expand too much go for the great wall. I can probably not buy any CS, since their luxes will improve happiness....hmmm.
Gonna try it tonight on lower level, maybe Prince or King to see if it's viable.
I have to figure out a good map for this, maybe just pangaea. All depends on how often these rebels spawn, I suppose or in worst case there are always AI-players that can give culture too, might need some of their cities to stay at a good negative level of happy.