2 Andrey
I play exactly the same way, 200%, XL, no cheats, 6 computers in an alliance, each for themselves. With such conditions, I understand why the map sizes are not suitable. It is simply impossible to upgrade all skills with hot-seat in such conditions... this, in addition to the lack of a generator, is considered the main drawback...
BUT there are many advantages that outweigh this... firstly, the possibility of a too significant "leap" in development when someone finds an artifact or magic is excluded... I think there have been many situations when one is stuck, and the other is already collecting a sphere on the map...
Secondly, I doubt that it is now really possible to withstand 6 computers in an alliance (considering the updated AI)... in any case, the game has become much more dynamic... IMHO, with the editor, it will be possible to adapt to such map sizes...