I'm ok with the balance so far -- Sullla/Speaker and LiPing moved to better spots, but took a risk in doing so. I may have been happier if LiPing's gold was a few tiles further north, but we'll see. I agree with the idea that having a food rich map allows for more options.
Contacts should start happening over the next few turns, allowing the teams to test their diplomatic mettle. Without knowing what the early relations will look like it is very hard to handicap the game (which is a good thing
)
Edit: Crosspost with Krill. Korea's second wheat was probably the biggest unbalanced feature so far -- I'm very surprised with the decision to settle in place!
Contacts should start happening over the next few turns, allowing the teams to test their diplomatic mettle. Without knowing what the early relations will look like it is very hard to handicap the game (which is a good thing

Edit: Crosspost with Krill. Korea's second wheat was probably the biggest unbalanced feature so far -- I'm very surprised with the decision to settle in place!