I disagree that picking a more builderish Russia wouldve served you better here. Russia as a Builder can't match either Australia or Persia's late game in Builder mode:
Oz could've spammed the entire map with high appeal Districts, and Outback Stations. He wouldve had access to both long before Cossacks came into play, and be in an insurmountable lead in both production and science by the time they did. Suboptimal screwed the pooch on defense but everyone was impressed by the Builder game he was playing up to that point.
Persia similarly has one of the most ridiculously strong U improvements in the Paradise. And that caravan boost is nothing to scoff at either, basically Kumasi suzerainty without envoys. Alhambram was foolish to play them militarily like he did, especially without GG support, and has admitted as such in his thread. But you can't count on your opponent making mistakes to further your own strategy.
So what does Russia have: early game strong faith and culture/tourism output from Lavra and extra tiles. And late game more viable Tundra expands in the backlines of the inland sea. I just do not see it out-buildering any civ in this game except Poland, which was already a weak Builder civ to begin with...
Not to mention that many games wouldve been played substantially different if the other civs had a peacefull Russia spamming Lavras next door rather than a Makedon in full God of War terror mode.
Oz could've spammed the entire map with high appeal Districts, and Outback Stations. He wouldve had access to both long before Cossacks came into play, and be in an insurmountable lead in both production and science by the time they did. Suboptimal screwed the pooch on defense but everyone was impressed by the Builder game he was playing up to that point.
Persia similarly has one of the most ridiculously strong U improvements in the Paradise. And that caravan boost is nothing to scoff at either, basically Kumasi suzerainty without envoys. Alhambram was foolish to play them militarily like he did, especially without GG support, and has admitted as such in his thread. But you can't count on your opponent making mistakes to further your own strategy.
So what does Russia have: early game strong faith and culture/tourism output from Lavra and extra tiles. And late game more viable Tundra expands in the backlines of the inland sea. I just do not see it out-buildering any civ in this game except Poland, which was already a weak Builder civ to begin with...
Not to mention that many games wouldve been played substantially different if the other civs had a peacefull Russia spamming Lavras next door rather than a Makedon in full God of War terror mode.